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.
Criticised by manager after poor performance
Minor
Cause
A calm conversation but he wasn't moved either way.
Criticised by manager after poor performance
Minor
Cause
A calm conversation but he wasn't moved either way.
Wants to head back home
Serious
Cause
After a long, difficult settling period he is openly hoping for a move home or to a familiar club. (He still does not speak the local language.; His adaptability is low.)
Outlook
Contract request risk increased.
Still struggling to settle into the squad
Moderate
Cause
He has not yet made the connections that come naturally to most signings.
Reassured by a calm full-time message
Minor
Cause
The team had won, and the manager wanted to reinforce the standards. He does not always respond well to pressure, which softened the lift.
Outlook
Trend is improving — relationship should keep strengthening.