Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson says that although the Europa League is not on a par with the Champions League, its significance in European club football cannot be undermined.
The Premier League giants commence their European adventure with a game against Steaua Bucuresti at Anfield in Group K on Thursday. Last season Hodgson led modest English side Fulham to the final of the Europa League and now expresses his admiration at the way UEFA have refurbished the old UEFA Cup.
"I agree entirely with those who say the Europa League is already a good quality version of the Champions League which provides some extraordinary matches," Hodgson told Uefa.com. "We can't pretend the Europa League is quite as prestigious as the Champions League [which] will always be the biggest.
"However, it's pleasing the Europa League is now a very good second. There are so many quality sides around in the leading leagues that if you reach the group stage, you'll normally face top teams from Italy, Spain, Germany and England."
Looking ahead to the Reds' task in the group stage, Hodgson said, "We have drawn big-name clubs but with the good fortune of not having to travel too far. We played Trabzonspor in qualifying, a good team but a difficult place to get to – a long, long way away.
"When the season is in full swing you are grateful if the trips are shorter. I think the team will carry good support at Napoli and Utrecht.
"They won't be difficult for our supporters to get to – we'll look forward to those trips. Fulham is not traditionally a club where the fans follow the team all over the world.
"But somehow the European adventure last year entered into everyone's heart and soul and we had incredible support wherever we went. Liverpool traditionally have great fans and I expect that will continue."
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