Berizzo: Cash and coaches behind England’s rise

SEVILLA: Sevilla coach Eduardo Berizzo believes a combination of the English Premier League’s riches and the arrival of top coaching talent has fuelled the resurgence of English clubs in the Champions League this season.

After years of Spanish dominance in Europe, English sides are leading the way this season with Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur already through to the knockout rounds and Manchester United and Chelsea well set to join them.

No English side have won the Champions League since Chelsea’s triumph in 2012, while La Liga sides have won the last four editions of the tournament and claimed the trophy six times since Manchester United beat Chelsea on penalties in Moscow in 2008. Barcelona and holders Real Madrid share those six victories three apiece.

However the expensively assembled squads, which have flattered to deceive in recent years, now also boast many of the continent’s best coaches with Juergen Klopp at Liverpool, Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho at Manchester City and United respectively, Antonio Conte leading Chel-sea and Mauricio Pochettino at Spurs.

“The arrival of (those) coaches has varied the way English teams play,” Berizzo said on Monday.

“They have made them dominate the ball as well as having the financial power to buy very good players.” — AFP