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.
Praised privately for his recent performance
Serious
Cause
The discussion focused on his recent performance level.
Asked the manager for a private conversation
Minor
Cause
He has unresolved concerns over his contract. His relationship with the manager is steady but tense. He has already raised this with the manager recently.
Outlook
Contract request risk increased.
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.
Stage: concrete interest. The interested club has formally approached. It would be a lateral move. His ambition is outgrowing the current project. The talk has begun to distract him.
Outlook
Expectations may build after a stand-out moment.
Signed a new contract
Moderate
Cause
He committed to the project on terms both sides could live with.
Distracted in training by transfer speculation
Minor
Cause
Rumour around his future appears to be weighing on his focus.