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.
Praised by the manager for his attitude
Serious
Cause
A supportive tone left him motivated to respond.
Frustrated after the club rejected interest from Werder Bremen
Minor
Cause
Stage: the bid was rejected. It became public after the bid was rejected. European competition opportunity A bid has already been rejected. He wants the club to listen if a serious bid arrives. It would be a clear sporting upgrade.
Outlook
Contract request risk increased.
Stayed back for extra training
Moderate
Cause
He stayed back for extra work after the rest of the squad had gone in.
Unsettled by the squad wage hierarchy
Moderate
Cause
The squad's wage hierarchy is the underlying issue. The gap to the squad's top earners has become a daily reminder.