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.
Frustrated after the club rejected interest from Adelaide United
Minor
Cause
Stage: the bid was rejected. It became public after the bid was rejected. It would be a lateral move. A bid has already been rejected. He remains focused on the current job.
Outlook
Contract request risk increased.
Asked the manager for a private conversation
Moderate
Cause
He is unhappy about his playing time. His relationship with the manager is steady but tense.
Outlook
Manager intervention may be required if it persists.
Stage: concrete interest. The interested club has formally approached. It would be a lateral move. His professionalism keeps the focus inward. He remains focused on the current job.
Promised more playing time by the manager
Serious
Cause
The discussion focused on playing time.
Stayed on the bench all match
Minor
Cause
The bench was built around different match options.
Outlook
Likely to settle unless repeated within the next few weeks.