Arsene Wenger doesn't believe winning the Europa League should result in Champions League football as it did for Manchester United last season.
The Gunners failed to qualify for Europe's premier competition last season after finishing fifth, one place above the Red Devils in sixth.
As a result Wenger's side will be playing in the Europa League this campaign, while United, who won the competition last season, will be playing in the Champions League.
The Arsenal boss explained he is against this rule as the competition is generally won by teams who have dropped out the Champions League and have been moved into it.
And suggests that club's knowing they can secure qualification in this way makes them less inclined to battle for a top four finish.
"I was always against it," explained the Gunners boss.
"Because apart from Man United, who did win the Europa League, all the years before it was always a team who was kicked out of the Champions League by having been kicked out of it before.
"You cannot go into the season and think that [you will get into the Champions League by winning the Europa League].
"I always was not in favour of that, because I think at some stage it can influence on the championship.
"If a team is in April in a position where they have more chance to win the Europa League they can let some games go in the championship, and not completely focus on that, on the regularity of the competition."
Arsenal are in action against Chelsea in the community shield on Sunday.
The Gunners, who won the FA Cup last season, will take on the Premier League champions at Wembley and Wenger's men will be desperate to get off to a winning start.