I don't know if there are many, if any, away goal rule aficionados out there but you are one and you're reading this then I'm afraid I've got some bad news.
Apparently they're considering getting rid of the rule altogether.
Following an elite-coaching forum today, Alex Ferguson told reporters 'There was a bit of a debate about whether it has any significance today.' The rule has been around for the guts of half a century and now some think it may be outdated. Ferguson explained:
Some think it is not as important as it used to be.....and the attacking emphasis on the game today means more teams go away from home and win.
If we go back, say, 30 years, counter-attacking consisted of one or maybe two, players. Today, counter-attacks have players flooding forward in fives or sixes and really positive, quick passing.
If Ferguson's views are anything to go by then there is definitely a big chance it will be abolished. As he points out, nowadays the away goal is actually causing home teams to be more conservative due to the fear of conceding:
From a personal point of view, when I was playing at home, I used to say to myself, don't lose a goal.
What do you think? Is it an outdated rule?
hat-tip: Yahoo Sports
