It’s a fascinating situation I think. If Nuno or Jose were saying what Conte is saying, they’d be accused of lacking ambition or throwing players under the bus.
Yet, I think it’s interesting that Conte is going down this route. He’s trying to force the club’s hand in my view. They don’t buy, from a PR perspective, he’s clearly been let down so he doesn’t get top 4, it won’t be on him.
He can’t be sacked - there would be mutiny in the stands. Likewise, he’s in a tough situation with the players if he doesn’t get anyone in. He’s basically said repeatedly that they aren’t good enough to compete. We all know that’s true but for the manager to say it and say it publicly is a massive deal.
I wouldn’t like to be in Levy’s shoes right now if he isn’t willing to spend. He doesn’t sign good players and the manager will call him out on it knowing he’s practically unsackable. If the manager decided to walk, Levy will also get it in the neck from the fanbase as it’d be obvious why he walked.
I reckon Conte is demanding but realistic. The club need to give him 2-3 players he wants. I don’t think Levy has many choices here - Conte holds all the cards.
He hasn't said the players aren't good enough. He's said the squad isn't good enough. He's made it pretty clear which players he doesn't think are good enough and wants to move on.
He's also said it's not all about transfers and that there is a lot of work to be done in training (which will also improve the squad).