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
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.
Patrick Partey was preferred — stronger quality on balance.
Cause
A more highly rated alternative was available.
Outlook
Manager intervention may be required if it persists.
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.
Away supporters were hostile
Moderate
Cause
He drew sustained jeers from the away end.
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
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.