It's predominantly a PL attitude towards it, I guess because of the way it is presented to us. After spending a decade mocking teams like Spurs (Spursday night football anyone?) I can't suddenly pretend to be excited about it.
It's something different yes and we could possibly win it and I would be happy to because of the fact we've got no modern European honours, but it's a 2nd rate competition whatever way you look at it. The teams involved, prize money, CL dropouts and the fact we've more than halved ticket prices for it.
Oh I'm betting Wenger's views this tournament beneath him, and maybe some of the players who are used to winning world cups. That's why I won't mind seeing the kids playing. They'll love it and be eager to win it, and they haven't had enough exposure to Wenger yet to completely collapse. I think they'll be able to give it a good go. And I suppose that's where my interest comes from, watching some of the kids to see if they can make a name for themselves. But even that's a bit depressing as they have no futures under Wenger. I just wish he had gone in the summer. This would be a whole new start if he'd have fucked off.
Für eure Sicherheit
Of course I agree with you. Also in Germany, the Europa League is not very popular because it feels you must play hundreds of games to come to the semi-final or final. Franz Beckenbauer also called this cup: Cup of losers! But I also honestly see an opportunity to qualify for the Champions League through the Europa League. For let's be honest, it is not sure that we come under the top 4 in the PL!
If United can take it seriously and win it last year... then we should take it seriously and look to win it this year. It is probably gives us a a better chance of getting knocked out in the last 16 of the CL next year.
And just think when the drop out teams from the CL join, imagine the excitement of playing Spurs in the Europa league.