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 Bidvest Wits
Moderate
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. The talk has begun to distract him.
Outlook
Contract request risk increased.
Criticised over his pressing work
Moderate
Cause
The criticism focused on missed pressing triggers and slow recovery runs. His match rating of 6.1 weighed heavily in the talk.
Outlook
Manager intervention may be required if it persists.
Reassured by a calm full-time message
Minor
Cause
The moment called for a quiet show of support. He does not always respond well to pressure, which softened the lift.
Outlook
Trend is improving — relationship should keep strengthening.
Stage: concrete interest. The interested club has formally approached. It would be a lateral move. He is the kind of player whose camp likes the noise. The talk has begun to distract him.
Outlook
Expectations may build after a stand-out moment.
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.
Returned to full training after injury
Moderate
Cause
The medical team cleared him, but the staff are protecting him from a rushed comeback.