The level of the Europa League has increased a lot after the teams from the Champions League have come here. It has got close to the Champions League I mean. There are really powerful teams in this round already. The number of favourites for the Europa League title has also increased quite much.
For now just as they are my favourite, Arsenal are the biggest title contender according to bookmakers. Barcelona and Manchester United follow respectively. I'd like to see Barcelona eliminating the Red Devils. And a finale like Arsenal - Barcelona would be amazing.
The problem of the level of the Europa League is not in the teams that participate there (the composition is always quite decent), but in their motivation and the attitude of fans to this tournament. Even if Barcelona, United or Arsenal win the Europa League, the fans of the opposing clubs will be trolling for the "consolation prize" and the "Thursday games". When there is the main tournament - the Champions League, then all the rest do not matter much (for the top clubs).
The Champions League title is definitely more important for the top clubs. And when a renowned club like Barcelona is knocked out in the first round of the Champions League, it's only natural that opposition fans troll Barcelona. And even if Barcelona win the Europa League title, they will probably be trolled. But Xavi must continue his quest for his first title as a coach. If Barcelona manages to win the Europa League title, it will surely be a big achievement for him.