Their personalities have rubbed against each other for a while now. It played out behind the dressing-room door, away from the cameras.
Outlook
Likely to settle unless repeated within the next few weeks.
Squad status changed
Contract talks stalled over squad status
Moderate
Cause
The wage was acceptable, but he wanted clearer first-team guarantees.
Outlook
Contract request risk increased.
He has said it out loud: To be paid what he is worth
Mind
Criticised in a full-time post-mortem
Minor
Cause
It was a private show of faith after a tough recent run. His professionalism usually steers him back from these moments.
Outlook
Manager intervention may be required if it persists.
Frustrated after the club rejected interest from Austin FC
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.
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.
He has started to want: To be paid what he is worth
Mind
Asked the manager for a private conversation
Serious
Cause
He has unresolved concerns over his contract. His relationship with the manager is steady but tense.
Outlook
Manager intervention may be required if it persists.
His agent appears to be testing the market
Minor
Cause
Stage: agent sounding out the market. The link came via his representatives. It would be a lateral move. His ambition is outgrowing the current project. He remains focused on the current job.
Stage: concrete interest. The interested club has formally approached. It would be a lateral move. His ambition is outgrowing the current project. He remains focused on the current job.