Arsenal believe that the Europa League now has a different focus since UEFA changed the rules of the competition to allow the winners to enter the Champions League.
Arsenal were drawn against Bate Borisov, Koln, and Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade) in Friday’s group draw and arguably face a far tougher group in this competition than either Manchester United or Liverpool got in the Champions League.
Speaking after the draw, the Arsenal secretary, David Miles, said: “Once Uefa made the winning team from the Europa League guaranteed entry for the Champions League it put a different focus on things. I think it addresses the mind, as you saw last year with Manchester United.”
Arsene Wenger has strongly hinted that his side will be focusing on the Premier League next season rather than the Europa League but given how that’s looked so far, it would not be surprising to see them change approach should/when they make it out of the group stages.
Arsenal’s first game will be against FC Koln at the Emirates on 14 September.
Arsenal have reduced their ticket prices to £15.50 for adults and £4.25 for Junior Gunners for Europa League matches at the Emirates.