Aston Villa also lost very early in last year's Europa League, and ended up challenging very well for Top4....
Sven or most other good coaches outside of the Prem would love to be invited to coach a top half club in the Prem, as its 1 of the highest paying leagues in the world for coaches, as well as 1 of the best leagues in the world..
you obviously have problems with logic and mathematics too I see.... just cos Villa sell a good player for silly money doesnt mean they cant be as good with a less' fashionable' player.... Stephen Ireland for Milner is a prime example of this...
if they sell Young too, they will probably end up with Keano AND Bentley from us, as well as a few million banked for others if they so wish to use it..
you really are very blinkered, I've now simply explained to you why/how Aston Villa may in fact be stronger this year or at least as good... no doubt you will have to see the proof next year before you can understand this..
Lerner is an intelligent guy, he realises he could lose alot of money competing with the recognised Top4, Citeh and Spurs for a CL spot.... so why not have it easier and settle for the tier just below that ??...