From a managers point of view, there is literally NOTHING to be gained from criticising the players that we have in public
I believe that tactic may work from time-to-time in an elite squad which is consistently challenging for trophies. You might, for example, eke an extra 5% out of a key player by challenging them publicly. Fundamentally you've identified a player who is not quite fulfilling their potential and are trying to get a reaction
Unfortunately, in more average/middling squads, surely the point is to make them believe that they can achieve more than their natural ceiling may allow. We know some of these players aren't world-beaters but I see little to be gained by telling them that every day, if they are already operating at their ceiling
Criticizing the players - yes. Criticizing the owners - no.
Pochettino has called for more backing from Levy
this window - didn't insult the players.
Benitez at Newcastle made it clear he wanted more backing - was loved by the players.
Conte at Chelsea wanted more backing - didn't insult the players in doing so.
Ole could easily have gently applied pressure to the Glazers this transfer window - instead he did nothing and sat grinning. Fair enough, but he now must make the best of what he's accepted, he has no excuses as he did nothing at all to apply pressure to the board.
What were they gonna do - fire him? He's literally just been given his contract.
He easily could have chipped in a comment like, "the players we have here are great, and I want to add even more quality to that team - but I'm not in charge of signing players". Which is basically what Pochettino did (and then got backed).
Ole is obviously either happy with what he's got (which is still a very decent squad), or is basically a Woodward yes-man.
Hopefully it's the former.