David Villa says 'Europe can copy' MLS with playoff format
Count David Villa among those who like that MLS uses playoffs to determine their champion. He even went as far as saying that "Europe can copy this format."
The appeal of a playoff system is it makes for a month of intense matches with a title on the line. It also ensures that the end of the season isn't boring with all but one or two teams out of the title hunt. That's what Villa likes about it.
"Right now, after the final of the season, 12 teams have a chance at winning the trophy," Villa told MLSsoccer.com. "This is very exciting for every team, for the country, for the people, for people who love soccer. I like it.
"Sometimes in Europe, in some leagues like the Spanish league or the Italian league, the last 10 games are very boring for winning the trophy because there's only two teams. Sometimes one team has the best chance of winning."
This is the first time that Villa has played in the playoffs. His NYCFC team failed to qualify last season so we'll see if he changes his tune after he plays in the matches, but that's unlikely. The downside of a playoff format comes at the expense of the regular season, when matches could be devalued. By the time the playoffs come around, interest is at a high, intensity is sky high and it produces some of the most entertaining soccer of the season.
Playoffs generally aren't used in the world's top leagues, especially in Europe. But they aren't uncommon in North America, where every league, including Mexico, joins MLS in using a playoff system. Australia also uses a playoff system.
Some officials in Germany have floated the possibility of adopting a playoff system. With the Bundesliga dominated by Bayern Munich, often making the end of the season irrelevant in recent years, the thinking is that it would open the title chase to more teams and keep interest all the way to the end of the season. There hasn't been much talk in Europe of a playoff system outside of Germany, but it's possible that others start to consider it in the future. It's unlikely that any of them adopt it, at least not soon, but the conversation will probably pick up.
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