We all know the Premier League is arguably the best soccer league in the world, that's why some of the world's best athletes have played in the league, like Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham and others.
But there seems to be a problem, for the league’s teams. It seems lately teams like Manchester United and Chelsea are struggling of late and no one seems to know why.
Some blame it on the toughness of English leagues in general, others blame the age of the teams, but whatever the reason, English teams have fallen behind of late.
Dan Altman of the New Yorker gave an explanation in a recent article as to why the English are having a hard time competing in the Champions League.
"The top English teams are no more likely to stumble late in the season than the top teams in other European leagues. In fact, they may even be less vulnerable to late-season slumps. The reason for their poor performance in Europe may have more to do with how clubs from different countries use their resources."
"One possibility is that the English clubs involved in this year’s Champions League placed less importance on the competition, at least relative to their opponents. All of the English teams were mired in a battle for the top places in their domestic league, so they may have rested fewer players in domestic matches than their European foes did."
So basically what the article is saying that may be English teams care more about winning their own leagues then winning the Champions League; hard to believe right?
Maybe the truth is other teams around Europe are just getting better. It happens in every sport. Free agency in certain sports is why there aren't many dominate teams any more. Teams are going to have off years and may be that's what's happening here.
If history is any indication, English soccer will be making a come back sooner rather than later.
