Europa League Group Stage Preview: Liverpool Utilizes Europa League for Team Cohesion, Brighton’s Coach Attracts Attention from Top Clubs

The Europa League group stage kicks off in the early hours of September 22nd, Beijing time, offering Liverpool a valuable opportunity to refine their squad. Currently performing adequately in the Premier League, Liverpool’s new signings have yet to reach their full potential. On the other hand, Brighton continues to impress, and not only are star players like Alexis Mac Allister being targeted by top clubs, but their manager, Roberto De Zerbi, is also drawing significant interest. If Brighton excels in the Europa League, they might face the prospect of a managerial change before Christmas.

LASK vs. Liverpool - Liverpool Continues to Refine Their Squad

LASK is not a traditional powerhouse in Austrian football, having only won the Austrian league title once in their history. Their participation in European competitions has been limited. The 2019-2020 season stands out as a memorable one for LASK when they reached the Europa League Round of 16 before being eliminated by Manchester United. In recent years, Red Bull Salzburg has dominated Austrian football, and for clubs like LASK and Sturm Graz, making it to the Europa League group stage is a realistic goal.

Under Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool has struggled in the mid-season in recent campaigns. Last season, they failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in a full season under Klopp. With Newcastle United’s rise, competition for the top four in the Premier League has become fiercer, leaving little room for error. Klopp needs to stabilize the team, a challenging task given his passionate nature.

This season, Liverpool’s squad has undergone significant changes. Veterans such as Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, and Roberto Firmino, who were instrumental in their Champions League and Premier League triumphs, have left. With the arrival of Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch, Liverpool has effectively rebuilt on paper, but Klopp still has much work to do to unlock the potential of these new signings.

Wataru Endo is an intriguing addition. Since Klopp successfully developed Shinji Kagawa, he has been willing to trust Japanese players. While Takumi Minamino did not succeed, Endo shows promise. Another player worth mentioning is Darwin Núñez. Last season, he arrived at Liverpool with high expectations but only proved to be a reliable substitute. His two goals in the comeback win against Newcastle United in the third round of the league have at least gained some acceptance from the fans. However, to secure a starting position, he must truly live up to his namesake “Darwin” and evolve his game.

Brighton vs. AEK Athens - Limited Time for De Zerbi

Brighton finished sixth in the Premier League last season, securing their first-ever participation in European competition. After six rounds last season, Brighton was forced to change managers when Graham Potter was poached. Fans feared relegation, but Potter’s successor, Roberto De Zerbi, not only maintained the team’s performance but also improved it, reaching new heights.

This season, Brighton’s strong performance has continued, earning 12 points from five matches despite the departure of key players. Their hard-nosed playing style has garnered more respect from opponents, but their core strength remains undiminished. Brighton’s impressive start raises the possibility of competing on even larger stages in the future. However, uncertainty looms as managers at Manchester United, Chelsea, and Newcastle United are under significant pressure. Brighton could once again be forced into a managerial change.

Greek champions AEK Athens began their European journey this season in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, where they eliminated Dinamo Zagreb but fell short against Antwerp in the final playoff. Historically, AEK has won fewer Greek league titles compared to Panathinaikos and Olympiacos, resulting in limited European experience. Last season’s league victory for AEK owed a considerable amount to good fortune.

Liverpool’s Strategic Approach to the Europa League

Liverpool’s current Premier League form is stable, but the Europa League provides a critical platform for integrating new players. This competition allows Klopp to experiment with different lineups and strategies without the immense pressure of Premier League fixtures. The departures of Henderson, Fabinho, Milner, and Firmino have left gaps that need to be filled, and the Europa League matches will be crucial for assessing how well the new signings gel with the existing squad.

Wataru Endo, for instance, brings experience and versatility to Liverpool’s midfield. Having played in Germany’s Bundesliga, Endo’s tactical awareness and work rate could prove invaluable in Klopp’s system. His ability to play as a defensive midfielder or a center-back offers Klopp flexibility in his squad rotations.

Darwin Núñez, who has shown flashes of brilliance, must seize this opportunity to prove his worth. His physicality and goal-scoring instincts make him a potential key player for Liverpool, but he needs consistent performances to cement his place in the starting eleven. The Europa League presents a less pressurized environment for Núñez to find his rhythm and confidence.

Brighton’s European Adventure and Managerial Prospects

Brighton’s participation in the Europa League is a historic achievement, and they aim to make the most of it. Roberto De Zerbi’s tactical acumen has already propelled Brighton to new heights domestically, and a strong performance in Europe could further enhance his reputation. However, success comes with its challenges. Increased attention from top clubs could lead to an exodus of key players and possibly the manager himself.

De Zerbi’s ability to adapt and maintain Brighton’s competitive edge will be tested. His strategic nous has transformed Brighton into a formidable opponent, capable of competing with the Premier League’s elite. However, the lure of managing a top club might become too strong to resist if Brighton continues to excel.

The Road Ahead for Liverpool and Brighton

For Liverpool, the Europa League is not just a secondary competition but a vital part of their strategy to regain top form. Klopp’s emphasis on squad depth and cohesion will be crucial as they navigate both domestic and European challenges. The integration of new signings and the development of existing talents like Núñez are pivotal for Liverpool’s long-term success.

Brighton, on the other hand, faces the dual challenge of maintaining their impressive form while managing the potential interest in their key figures. De Zerbi’s tactical brilliance and the team’s resilience will be under scrutiny as they embark on their European campaign. Success in the Europa League could solidify Brighton’s status as a rising force in English football, but it could also make them a target for bigger clubs.

As the Europa League group stage unfolds, Liverpool and Brighton will each have their unique narratives. For Liverpool, it’s about rebuilding and reintegrating; for Brighton, it’s about seizing the moment and managing expectations. Both teams have much to gain and much to prove as they step onto the European stage.