Kevin Ratcliffe - Approach the Europa League like a knockout

Former captain Kevin Ratcliffe believes Everton should approach the Europa League like a knockout competition.

The Welshman, who led the Blues to European glory in 1985, says the added incentive of a Champions League place for this year's winners has added an extra edge to the Europa League.

“I think the extra Champions League place is a great bonus,” he told evertonfc.com. “It’s a great opportunity and I’m sure Spurs will be thinking exactly the same as well because it is almost like a fifth spot.

“I think that’s even the ultimate goal at the end of the day – aside from the trophy, you’re going to be represented in the Champions League the year after.”

And Ratcliffe has been impressed by the start the Toffees have made to their European campaign, with Roberto Martinez’s side currently sitting top of Group H at the midway point.

“It’s not been a bad start,” he continued. “I think it’s a competition where you have got to try and collect as many points as you can early on and then have a breather.

“It’s a different format to the one I was used to playing – years ago, you could never afford to lose at home. But now, if you do lose, you have that second chance with it being a league format.

“It doesn’t look as though it’s going to take many points to qualify from the group. Teams are taking points off each other, but you’d think Wolfsburg and Lille are the two teams who we need to keep ahead of.”

The former defender also reflected fondly upon his own memories of the Blues’ only European success to date and insists players should embrace the added games that come with playing in the Europe.

He added: “You always had to be on your toes. We really enjoyed it, obviously because we won it as well.

“It’s completely different nowadays but I think teams should still approach it as a knockout competition.

“Nobody should be complaining about more games because that’s what success brings. You want to be in the quarters, semis and, hopefully, final.”

Tune in to The Official Everton Radio Show on City Talk 105.9 to hear from Ratcliffe and much, much more. The weekly shows, hosted by evertontv commentator Darren Griffiths, are aired on Wednesdays from 5pm until 6pm.