Why Are Premier League Teams Failing in the Champions League?
Let's pretend for a moment that it's April 2009 and that four of the last eight teams remaining in the UEFA Champions League reside in the Premier League.
Although none of these clubs will go on to win the trophy, this is arguably the last instalment of the competition in which English teams seem to genuinely strike fear into Europe's other giants.
Whilst Chelsea famously won the coveted prize in 2012, it would be foolish to think that Roberto di Matteo's side were anywhere near the best team in the tournament that year as they were totally outplayed in both the semi-final and final, relying on a significant slice of luck to win in both ties.
The point here is that although Premier League teams still have an impact on the competition, this has diminished significantly over recent years.
The reason for this? Well, it seems to be that English sides are suffering from a lack of identity. The Premier League does not create, it imports. Until English sides start producing talent instead of hoovering it up, the poor European results will continue.
Looking at the more successful European clubs of recent years, it becomes increasingly clear that these sides have been moulded around a core of home grown talent.
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