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.
Asked the manager for a private conversation
Moderate
Cause
He cannot continue in his current tactical role. His relationship with the manager is steady but tense. He has already raised this with the manager recently.
Outlook
Contract request risk increased.
Slipped out of the starting XI
Serious
Cause
He has fallen behind in the pecking order over the last few weeks.
Mounting media pressure on his form
Praised in a satisfied full-time talk
Minor
Cause
The team had won, and the manager wanted to reinforce the standards.
Outlook
Trend is improving — relationship should keep strengthening.
Praised privately for his recent performance
Serious
Cause
The discussion focused on his recent performance level.
Dropped to the bench
Moderate
Cause
The current formation has no natural role for him.
Outlook
Manager intervention may be required if it persists.
Hurt by being benched for a big match
Major
Cause
The manager left him out of the starting XI. in the title decider
Outlook
Repeated incidents may damage dressing-room status.