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.
He has said it out loud: His place back
Mind
Left out of the matchday squad
Minor
Cause
The current formation has no natural role for him.
Outlook
Likely to settle unless repeated within the next few weeks.
Praised by the manager
Major
Cause
The discussion covered general matters.
Asked the manager for a private conversation
Minor
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.
Reassured by a calm full-time message
Minor
Cause
The moment called for a quiet show of support. His professionalism usually steers him back from these moments.
Outlook
Trend is improving — relationship should keep strengthening.
Left out of the matchday squad
Minor
Cause
The current formation has no natural role for him.
Outlook
Likely to settle unless repeated within the next few weeks.