Crown lost sparkle for title bosses

THERE is a pattern emerging about title winners and it’s beginning to look like a curse.

Chelsea were champions in 2015 under Jose Mourinho, but fell apart so badly the following season their manager got the sack.

Leicester pulled off their 5,000-1 title miracle in 2016 with Claudio Ranieri in charge, but nine months later they were flirting with relegation and he too was tossed overboard.

Now Antonio Conte (below) is suffering a hangover from leading Chelsea to the title last season – although I don’t understand the rush to bury him.

Yes, they were poor at home to Bournemouth 10 days ago and, yes, that late collapse at Watford on Monday night was scarcely believable.

But a top-four finish is still in Chelsea’s hands, they have a very winnable FA Cup tie against Hull next week and are still in the Champions League.

I can think of about 14 clubs in the Premier League who would snap your hand off were they offered a trophy and a top-four finish.

And in each case of the title winners who struggle the following season I’ve mentioned above, how about players taking some of the responsibility for the decline?

Champions don’t become bad players overnight.