UEFA’s format change for the UEFA Champions League apparently was not approved by all the teams involved, and the first complain about the new format came from one of the top clubs to win the Europe premier competition.
Speaking at a press conference earlier today, Barcelona coach Quique Setién frowned upon the competition’s new format, where only one match will be played to determine the winner of each tie at a neutral ground.
With that in mind, Setién urged UEFA to allow Los Blaugranas to play the second leg of their tie against Napoli at Camp Nou Stadium rather than doing it at a neutral venue.
“All I can hope for is that we are allowed to play against Napoli here. Playing at a neutral venue is one thing, and playing at your own turf behind closed doors makes a huge difference,” Setién said.
The Spanish boss went on about this issue, adding that playing the rest of the games in the Round of 16 at a neutral venue will be disappointing to all teams that were supposed to host the second leg ties.
“I think it’s the worst-case scenario for Barcelona and for all. When there are two games, you can solve any problems created by an accident during a first leg. Now, it’s all or nothing. We would all like to play two legs in each tie, but it seems that we will have to adapt to these circumstances,” Setién added.
The first-leg of the champions league round of 16 tie, which ended in a 0-0 draw, was played in Italy, while the second-leg is supposed to be played at the Nou Camp, in Spain. But the decision by Uefa means Barcelona will have to play that match at a Uefa designated venue. It’s unlikely Uefa will grant setien’s request given the troubles they must have gone through rescheduling games.
Zealadmol.sport.blog. 