There was way more to that than not wanting to train together. Notably, Mishin was angry that Yagudin caught a flu during Olympics and didn’t place well. Besides, Mishin seemed to favor Plushenko for some time before that pinnacle flu incident happened.
Yagudin was undisciplined he was sitting and talking with other athletes somewhere where he had a cold already in SLC.. Plus he had vodka in his bag Mishin has found it.
But Yagudin and Plushenko didn't want to train together before that you believe me. The Russian federation wanted to send Plushenko to the Oly Game. Mishin said Yagudin is the older he deserves it.