Their personalities have rubbed against each other for a while now. It played out behind the dressing-room door, away from the cameras.
Outlook
Likely to settle unless repeated within the next few weeks.
Stayed on the bench all match
Minor
Cause
The bench was built around different match options.
Outlook
Likely to settle unless repeated within the next few weeks.
Costly error under pressure
Moderate
Cause
His error under pressure was directly punished by the opponent.
Reassured by a calm full-time message
Minor
Cause
The moment called for a quiet show of support. A repeated team-talk tone had less impact than usual.
Outlook
Trend is improving — relationship should keep strengthening.
Criticised over his pressing work
Moderate
Cause
The criticism focused on missed pressing triggers and slow recovery runs. His match rating of 5.7 weighed heavily in the talk.
Outlook
Manager intervention may be required if it persists.
Reassured by a calm full-time message
Minor
Cause
The team had won, and the manager wanted to reinforce the standards. The message was about confidence as much as performance — his morale had been low.
Outlook
Trend is improving — relationship should keep strengthening.
Worried by a sustained scoring drought
Costly error under pressure
Moderate
Cause
His error under pressure was directly punished by the opponent.
Away supporters were hostile
Moderate
Cause
He drew sustained jeers from the away end.
Criticised in a full-time post-mortem
Minor
Cause
It was a private show of faith after a tough recent run.
Outlook
Manager intervention may be required if it persists.