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.
Celebrated promotion to a higher division
Praised by the manager
Major
Cause
The discussion covered general matters.
Criticised over his pressing work
Moderate
Cause
The criticism focused on missed pressing triggers and slow recovery runs. Staff had already warned him about this in the last few weeks.
Outlook
Repeated incidents may damage dressing-room status.
Reassured by the manager's half-time message
Minor
Cause
The team were behind, and the manager needed a response. His professionalism usually steers him back from these moments.
Outlook
Trend is improving — relationship should keep strengthening.
Praised by the manager
Major
Cause
The discussion covered general matters.
Asked the manager for a private conversation
Serious
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.
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.
Praised by the manager
Major
Cause
The discussion covered general matters.
Difficult conversation with the manager
Moderate
Cause
The discussion covered general matters.
Manager broke a promise
Serious
Cause
Even an honest tone was resented given the strained relationship.
He has said it out loud: First-team football
Mind
He has come to believe: The two of them clashed
Mind
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.
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.