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.
Asked the manager for a private conversation
Serious
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.
Outlook
Contract request risk increased.
Praised by the manager
Major
Cause
The discussion covered general matters.
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.
Frustrated by his tactical role
Serious
Cause
A change in shape has shifted what is being asked of him.
Outlook
Manager intervention may be required if it persists.
Praised by the manager
Major
Cause
The discussion covered general matters.
Praised by the manager
Major
Cause
The discussion covered general matters.
Manager broke a promise
Serious
Cause
Even an honest tone was resented given the strained relationship.
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.
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.