Saw this on the SI forums, very simple tip if your managing in a small european nation, and are trying to do well in Europe. All you have to do is make sure the better leagues aren't playable, and that should eventually mean your team (and others from your nation) will get better in Europe over time. Don't ask me how this works, because I have no idea, it was an SI member talking about it on the forum and sadly I can't remember the link.
Good luck ;)
Good luck ;)