Richards and Sutton disagree on Conte outburstpublished at 07:51 Greenwich Mean Time 21 March 2023
Image source, Getty ImagesMicah Richards believed Conte was "being absolutely honest" and did not say "anything wrong", while Sutton took the opposite view.
"Sometimes you need those home truths," said former Manchester City defender Richards.
"Tottenham have had enough quality to do better than they have been, so I have no problem with that interview from a player's point of view.
"Of course, it's not going to be good for the morale, but it's honest. The players, for their ability, have not been playing well enough.
"It's an interview where he's been honest. It's not terrible leadership. He's at the end of saying what he's had to say to the players, so he's saying it out loud."
Former Blackburn striker Chris Sutton said the Italian's outburst "was purely about self-preservation and Conte isn't bothered about who he takes down".
"Conte's been there for however long and the club have gone backwards," he added. "The most remarkable thing about the interview was that he absolved himself of any blame and things he could affect. He could've affected things at the weekend against Southampton and didn't.
"This is a guy that clearly wants out. It's terrible leadership. Players within that dressing room will be thinking the manager doesn't have our back.
"It's a really important end to the season for Tottenham and there may be a lot of players within that dressing room who down tools for him now. Why would you want to play for this guy now?"
