Whiskey, had some time, figured id respond as Im watching Parma self-destruct in the 2nd half.
"Spec, curious of your thoughts on the away goal rule since you mentioned it. Got into an argument with someone who said it should be abolished but I think they away goal rule saves us some from passive first leg matches"
great question you brought up as bunch of us were discussing this the other week. (come to think of it, bunch of us had a BIG argument the other week too. laughing) its been gaining 'steam' in europe this year again as a few coaches have become outspoken in having it removed. but if you noticed.... most of them are defensive gurus/masterminds (aka, Simeone from Atletico)
my attitude is I'd rather keep it. its been around for god-knows how long and a part of futbol (at least european) culture forever. though theres some lower leagues and a few domestic Cups - NOT use it and goes straight to PK's after 90 minutes, for the most part, I like it.
when the rule was first created waaay back then, it was designed to encourage visiting teams to be more 'offensive' when playing on road. but back then, I dont think anybody envisioned Klopp being born. laughing. Naysayers nowadays say the rule is "outdated" and not current with the times. so yes, theres truth to that as the way the game has evolved theres quite a few clubs whom are comfortable on the road with coaches..... whom use it to their advantage.
im not taking ANYTHING away from Pool/Totts performance, but this year was kind of a 'freak' occurence. or maybe its the start of a new trend, I honestly dont know. but it wasnt too long ago where the general mindset in Europe was getting the 2nd leg at home was a HUGE advantage. this isnt the case any longer. Tottenham/Ajax blew that theory into the Atlantic the past month fer godsakes.
but heres why im against changing it:
1) you know the World Cup (or even the Euros), those first matches of Group Stage? I fear we'd be seeing a whole mass of games looking just like those. boring, cluster (bleep), yawner of matches where the visiting team simply parks the bus. then when the 2nd leg rolls around the OTHER opponent would probably do the same exact thing.
2) thoug I consider myself in the category of 'defense over offense' i love the idea of being able to LOSE a 2nd leg yet still advance. win 1-0 at home, lose 2-1 on road and you're moving on. this isnt everybodys cup of tea i understand.
3) (personal opinion) its a royal pain in the you-know-what capping a 2 legged series if the away goal isnt applicable. im not fond of that.
you know whats frustrating at times tho? (and this is the case once in a while even with Juventus). those head coaches/fans/etc etc, especially the defensive/tactician types, are the ones whom want this rule dropped. nothing "eats" their minds more than conceding at home. yet those coaches like Simeone, or Mou, even Allegri..... when they absolutely need to score... not saying they would but, my ohhhhh my can they be fluent, and press forward when their backs are to the wall. so a lot of people just say "hey... why dont you START the matches that way?".
but thats just me. this away goal rule can start a sh*tsorm of arguments because basically youre instigating two completely opposite school of thoughts on the game amongst people. and theres a LOT of coaches out there nowadays loaded up front whom have the 'Old Guard'/fundamentalists turning in their graves.
(opinion only) changing this rule would have a bigger impact than installing VAR has.