'If you aren't there, you suffer' - Aston Villa chief delivers frank Champions League remark
Villa chief Francesco Calvo has warned the growing riches available in the Champions League risks distorting competition in the Premier League.
Calvo, appointed Villa’s president of business operations last year, says clubs not in Europe’s elite competition “suffer” compared to their rivals.
Villa are targeting a return to the Champions League after missing out on qualification on goal difference last season.
Speaking at the Spobis sport conference on Thursday, Calvo said: “The Champions League is important for the visibility it gives to the club, the players, and the money it generates.
“On the negative side, however, it has become so rich that it's also distorting domestic competition.
“So it needs to be looked at carefully. It's an opportunity but also a problem, because it polarises. If you're not there, you suffer. If you are, you love it.”
Villa banked £72million in prize money after reaching the quarter-finals of last year’s Champions League but will bring in around just half of that sum if they win this season’s Europa League.
"For us, it's a dream and an ambition, but we mustn't forget a few things,” said Calvo.
“First of all, until seven years ago we were in the Championship, and until three and a half years ago we were fighting to avoid relegation.
“So now we're establishing ourselves at the top of European football. To do this, we've invested in the players, of course, in the infrastructure, in the club itself, in building solid foundations that can give us stability and long-term success.”
