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
Major
Cause
The discussion focused on his recent performance level.
Asked the manager for a private conversation
Moderate
Cause
He cannot continue in his current tactical role. His relationship with the manager is steady but tense. He has already raised this with the manager recently.
Outlook
Contract request risk increased.
Returned to full training after injury
Minor
Cause
The medical team cleared him, but the staff are protecting him from a rushed comeback.
Left out of the matchday squad
Moderate
Cause
The current formation has no natural role for him.
Outlook
Repeated incidents may damage dressing-room status.
Criticised by the manager after his performance
Moderate
Cause
The discussion focused on his recent performance level.
Praised privately for his recent performance
Major
Cause
The discussion focused on his recent performance level.
Manager broke a promise
Major
Cause
Even an honest tone was resented given the strained relationship.
Left out of the matchday squad
Moderate
Cause
The current formation has no natural role for him.
Outlook
Likely to settle unless repeated within the next few weeks.