you could base it on the general incompetence of the rest of the league
Tripe, man. Give me a team in Europe except Real and possibly Bayern who you'd confidently say would beat them. They've sadly got an absolute dream team of players and are managed by someone who doesn't lose at home and rarely loses away.
Football of fear. It totally permeates the league. So many average, if that, managers all frightened to play expansive footy from the off.
Or maybe he's just not playing well?
I'll never understand anyone, especially someone in this country, supporting diving, like. As if pretending has any legitimate part in professional sport.