Chelsea are finding it more difficult in the Premier League this season because winning the title is a "virus," according to former midfielder Gus Poyet.
Antonio Conte's men lie nine points adrift of rampant leaders Manchester City after just 11 matches, having lost three times -- as they did in the whole of last season in the Premier League, when they claimed the title by seven points from London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Poyet says Chelsea's recent history shows that becoming champions can have an adverse effect on the squad, not least because every other team in the Premier League is even more motivated to beat them.