Unai Emery has insisted that English clubs need to start showing more respect to the Europa League.

In England, the Europa League is often seen as more of a hindrance to more important competitions than a blessing.

Arsenal head coach Unai Emery won the competition three times in a row with Sevilla and has insisted that this needs to change.

“It’s a competition where the English do not see that they can develop, they think they sacrifice too much [by taking the Europa League seriously],” said the Gunners’ head coach.

“When I won it with Sevilla I saw that the English teams were not fighting for it, but four years ago Uefa made a rule to strengthen it, giving a Champions League place to the winner.

“In the four years since then, two English teams have reached the final.

“I am in this competition and I transmit to the Arsenal players that it is very important, because it is a title and an open door to the Champions League.”

The prize of a Champions League group stage spot has certainly improved the perception of the Europa League in England. It’s a prestigious competition with some of the best sides in Europe and deserves more respect from English teams.