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.
Responded to a passionate pre-match team talk
Minor
Cause
A big match called for a big message. He does not always respond well to pressure, which softened the lift.
Outlook
Trend is improving — relationship should keep strengthening.
Lifted by a passionate half-time team talk
Minor
Cause
A big match called for a big message. He does not always respond well to pressure, which softened the lift.
Outlook
Trend is improving — relationship should keep strengthening.
Dressing-room inquest after a humiliating result
Trusted for a major fixture
Major
Cause
The manager trusted him with the start. in the continental knockout tie
Outlook
Manager trust should improve if this form continues.
Responded to a passionate pre-match team talk
Minor
Cause
A big match called for a big message. He does not always respond well to pressure, which softened the lift.
Outlook
Trend is improving — relationship should keep strengthening.
Reassured by the manager's half-time message
Minor
Cause
A big match called for a big message. He does not always respond well to pressure, which softened the lift.
Outlook
Trend is improving — relationship should keep strengthening.
Criticised in a full-time post-mortem
Minor
Cause
A big match called for a big message. He does not always respond well to pressure, which softened the lift.
Outlook
Manager intervention may be required if it persists.
Asked the manager for a private conversation
Minor
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.
Left out of the matchday squad
Serious
Cause
The current formation has no natural role for him.
Outlook
Manager intervention may be required if it persists.
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.