True, the defeatist attitude is something I am also not liking. And I do attribute the lack of fire to the manager to a certain extent because it is his job to keep the players motivated and bringing out the best in them. But still the club should have done something get the players that he wants I mean right now it seems like Conte is so heavily invested in his system and sticking to 3-5-2. And I agree that he shouldn't act unprofessionally but lets step back.
1. The board always plans for when a manager leaves/sacks after a season or 2 which transpires into buying players who would be general fit.
2. Aftermath of 1 is that managers wants certain kind of player who will fit into the kind of game/tactics he plans for and gets someone else which could potentially trip them.
3. As a result of not getting the players that would fit managers game plan, those positions gets pigeonholed with the players we have.
4. Causing the players to play badly and eventually us loosing games.
Some managers are professional not to let their discontent bottle up in front of media but there are some who want fans to know that it is not the manager's fault that he is not able to produce the results the fans desire. So whom do you think should take the blame?
Typed from mobile sorry if it is all.... will update it in the evening