Coaches support Platini plans

Arsenal and Chelsea boss's have backed Uefa's plans for the Champions League

By James Dall   Last updated: 8th September 2007

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Uefa senior official William Gaillard has claimed that Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho have no qualms over Michel Platini's plans for the Champions League.

Platini's idea is to reward the FA Cup winners with a place in the UEFA Champions League, and he is hoping the chance to win a place in Europe's premier club tournament will reignite the domestic cup competitions.

However, Sir Alex Ferguson is very much opposed to the proposal, as he believes that that such a move would devalue the efforts of clubs fighting for places week after week in the leagues.

But Gaillard explained that after a meeting with some of the world's top coaches, neither Wenger or Mourinho had any objections.

"We had a meeting with top coaches and managers to discuss a number of issues including the changes to the Champions League

format," Gaillard said.

"There were no negative statements or remarks with regard to the proposed changes. It was all very positive.

"Considering Mr Ferguson's comments it was refreshing to see that in particular both Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho gave the

new idea their blessing."