Liverpool reap dividends from rule that 'makes a mockery of the Champions League'
Premier League sides like Liverpool should not be able to qualify for the Champions League by finishing fifth.
That is the opinion of former Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
The Reds narrowly finished above Bournemouth to qualify for Europe's top competition, while finishing five points outside of the top four.
The Premier League has been awarded a so-called European performance spot for two consecutive seasons, awarded by UEFA to the two leagues with the best overall performance across the three European competitions.
With Arsenal making it to the Champions League final, and Aston Villa and Crystal Palace winning the Europa League and the Conference League, respectively, England has been far in front.
Newcastle United benefited from the extra spot last season, with Liverpool having taken it for the next campaign.
Champions League rule 'doesn't sit well with me'
The European performance spot was introduced for the 2024-25 Champions League campaign, with the extra spot on offer for the first time based on the European performances in the 2023-24 season.
England missed out that first season, with the extra spots going to Italy and Germany after a poor performance in Europe.
Premier League sides have began to dominate since, but not everybody agrees that there should be extra spots on offer at all.
"I'm not sure when you finish fifth or sixth you're entitled to play Champions League football, to be honest. I think it makes a mockery of the Champions League," King told Football Insider.
"I mean, finish fifth and get a chance to play in the Champions League? That doesn't sit well with me, that. I think it's a cheap way to get in.
"OK, you finish fifth or sixth, but look at the Premier League. Is the Premier League as strong as what everybody thinks it is? Well, let's be fair.
"Brentford, what, 20,000? Bournemouth, what, 18,000? I mean, you know, these are teams that are challenging for Champions League and Europe."
How many teams will the Premier League have in Europe this season?
For the second consecutive year, the Premier League will have nine teams featuring in European competition.
Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Liverpool will compete in the Champions League.
Bournemouth, Sunderland and Palace will be in the Europa League, while Brighton have taken the Conference League spot.
The sheer amount of teams involved will mean that in all likelihood, the Premier League will have the European performance spot once more next season, and it is unlikely to go anywhere.