Chelsea lost the title because they were too concerned about Champions League in the dressing room. Every one of those losses came in the run up to a big C.L. game or, in the case of this draw with Norwich, from a C.L. hangover. Took their eye off the ball with the 'lower' teams that they expected to win. Bench didn't deliver when it mattered.
I have to say I'm surprised that Jose is ragging on Matic, though. He has been tremendous until the last couple games. His distribution has become a bit tentative, when he was so full of confidence a month ago. I guess this blow up at halftime had been coming. Still, Matic is a key player going forward, especially with Luiz apparently on his way out. You can't grind them ALL down into pulp. Matic was one of the tougher ones.
It must kill to have lost the title due to your team's manager having lost sight of the job he had to do. At 3-0 up, you bunker in and secure the result.
Against Chelsea, a draw would have still kept them in control of the title, but Rodgers forgot about the table, and chased a result that he didn't really need. And their defense has just deserted them. Sakho is too inconsistent, although he is fearless and a great athlete. You need Mats Hummels, a new Xabi Alonso and a winger like Levezzi, with some more strength and defensive ability. And then a couple more young, less expensive defenders. That's what Liverpool needs this summer.
You don't need Cavani. I wonder if England will be too quick a game for Pirlo, if he can make such great passes with less time on the ball, and less "escapability" as he gets older. This was a great year for them to break the title drought. It's going to be tougher next year, even more competitive, if that's possible.
