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 by manager
Major
Cause
The discussion focused on playing time.
Promised playing time by manager
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.
Praised by manager
Major
Cause
The discussion focused on playing time.
Promised playing time by manager
Responded well in training to recent criticism
Moderate
Cause
He answered the recent criticism with a sharp session.
Praised by manager
Major
Cause
The discussion focused on playing time.
Promised playing time by manager
Repeated transfer talk is becoming a distraction
Minor
Cause
Stage: loose rumour. The national press has carried the story. The link is speculative for now. The same rumour keeps coming back. The talk has begun to distract him.