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
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.
Outlook
Contract request risk increased.
Dropped to the bench
Moderate
Cause
The current formation has no natural role for him.
Outlook
Repeated incidents may damage dressing-room status.
Asked the manager for a private conversation
Moderate
Cause
He has unresolved concerns over his contract. 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
Moderate
Cause
The current formation has no natural role for him.
Outlook
Manager intervention may be required if it persists.
Praised by manager
Major
Cause
The discussion focused on playing time.
Promised playing time by manager
Dropped to the bench
Moderate
Cause
The current formation has no natural role for him.
Outlook
Manager intervention may be required if it persists.
Frustrated by his tactical role
Moderate
Cause
A change in shape has shifted what is being asked of him.
Outlook
Manager intervention may be required if it persists.
Unsettled by the squad wage hierarchy
Minor
Cause
The squad's wage hierarchy is the underlying issue. The gap to the squad's top earners has become a daily reminder.
Outlook
Contract request risk increased.
Criticised in a full-time post-mortem
Minor
Cause
It was a private show of faith after a tough recent run. A repeated team-talk tone had less impact than usual.
Outlook
Likely to settle unless repeated within the next few weeks.