Their personalities have rubbed against each other for a while now. It played out behind the dressing-room door, away from the cameras.
Outlook
Repeated incidents may damage dressing-room status.
Left out of the matchday squad
Major
Cause
The current formation has no natural role for him.
Outlook
Manager intervention may be required if it persists.
Frustrated by his tactical role
Serious
Cause
A change in shape has shifted what is being asked of him.
Outlook
Manager intervention may be required if it persists.
Asked the manager for a private conversation
Moderate
Cause
His relationship with the manager has soured. His relationship with the manager is steady but tense. He has already raised this with the manager recently.
Outlook
Contract request risk increased.
Reassured by a calm full-time message
Minor
Cause
The moment called for a quiet show of support. He does not always respond well to pressure, which softened the lift.
Outlook
Trend is improving — relationship should keep strengthening.