But we won't.
We've had far more years in that than the CL and yet we made it all the way to the CL final. We've not got past the 1/4 final stage in the ropey league since we became regulars in the mid 00s
It's a burden. Our league form is always better when we're out too.
...but that's cos we weren't (and have never) really taken it seriously since we've been in it! (In 'modern times'... not talking about the '70s or '80s when it was deemed a Cup worth winning.... which we did!)
That said, it's only since we WEREN'T in it during the recent CL years that they decided to change it to winning = CL qualification... and THAT was only 'cos their little darlings like Man Utd & AraeAnal weren't qualifying regularly for the CL.... so they HAD to change it to offer SOME incentive...
Didn't see them offering CL qualification for winning it when WE were regular participants!
This has been the first season we've competed in the EL where the prize for winning it was worth winning! (OTHER than the boring old glory and the trophy itself etc.)
Yes, the CL Final was an amazing achievement, and of COURSE we took THAT seriously... but it felt like a one-off as soon as we got there.... and felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity missed the moment Sissoko gave away the pen after 30seconds!
We've been a victim of wrong place, wrong time for years.... we decided to turm to shit for most of the decade the moment the PL was introduced in 1992, having won the FA Cup the year before.... and where was goal line tech. or VAR when Pedro Mendes SCORED at OT? They only REALLY considered it seriously after Lampard's disallowed goal for England in the WC!
Arse have thrived in the EL simply cos they've found their level, and now might make it two finals in 3 years....
I'm not saying I'd rather given up 3/4 years of CL football.... but when we ARE in the EL, the least we can do is respect it, and take it seriously enough to maybe win!
...cos we ain't winning the PL or CL anytime soon!