Gasperini Speaks Out Against New CL Format: "It's Not Fair"
Gian Piero Gasperini, the fiery manager of Atalanta, has voiced his strong disapproval of the new Champions League format, arguing it disadvantages smaller clubs like his. The new format, which will come into effect in 2024, increases the number of matches for teams that qualify for the group stage. Gasperini believes this will give an unfair advantage to bigger clubs with deeper squads and more financial resources.
"It's not fair," Gasperini declared in a press conference. "We are already playing so many games, and now they want to add more? This is not good for the players, and it's not good for the spectacle. It's just going to favor the big clubs that can afford to rotate their players."
The Italian manager's comments come in the wake of several other voices expressing concern about the new format. Critics argue that it will further widen the gap between the big clubs and the smaller clubs, leading to a less competitive and less exciting Champions League.
The New Format Explained
The new format will see the Champions League group stage expand from 32 teams to 36. Instead of playing six group games, each team will play ten matches against eight different opponents, with the top eight teams automatically qualifying for the round of 16. The remaining eight teams will compete in a playoff round for the last eight spots.
While the intention behind the new format is to create a more dynamic and unpredictable tournament, Gasperini and others believe it will have the opposite effect.
"It's just going to make the competition more predictable," Gasperini said. "The big clubs will always be able to get through, and the smaller clubs will have even less chance of making a real impact."
What's Next?
It remains to be seen how the new Champions League format will play out. While it has been met with some criticism, it also has its supporters who argue that it will make the tournament more engaging for fans.
Gasperini's outspoken criticism, however, highlights the growing concerns among smaller clubs. They are worried that the new format will exacerbate the existing power imbalance in European football. It will be interesting to see how UEFA addresses these concerns and whether any changes are made before the new format comes into effect.
