I've read the press conference word for word, Benitez is chatting so much wham and contradiction it's unreal.
"Are you categorically saying that Lucas doesn't want to be at the football club?
Benitez: I've had a couple of conversations with him, he told me what he thought. So what do you expect the manager to do when he's thinking about leaving? I will say again, fans and former players, what would Peter Reid say if a player goes to the manager he doesn't want to be here?"
Doesnt confirm he's asked to leave.
Reidy : I wouldn't have had him on the bench.
"Just to play devil's advocate then, why was Lucas Digne named on the bench against Brighton?
Benitez: Because as a manager you have a responsibility to try and do what the best is for the club. Sometimes you play for that."
Already dropped him from the squad prior.
"Could you maybe explain a little bit about why Lucas Digne wants to leave the club?
Benitez: I have no explanation."
Really?
"So you feel like he's put himself ahead of the team then? That's what you're saying?
Benitez: No what I say is that a team that finished tenth, and someone is worried about the stats, it changes nothing for me like I said before."
Absolute full of holes. Brought Reidy in so get the fans on his side after the reception Digne got on the weekend. Reidy has batted it back. Utter snake oil salesman is Bentiez dragging Reidy into it to win points.