Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert was asked 22 questions about striker Darren Bent during last night's post-match press conference.
Having just seen his side defeat Reading 1-0 at Villa Park, the majority of journalists opted to grill Lambert on Bent's omission from the squad for the second match running rather than on the game itself.
Prior to the encounter, reports had claimed that Bent had stormed away from the stadium after he was informed that he had not been selected.
However, just before the game got underway, he was seen sitting in an executive box at the ground watching his teammates.
Below is a selection of what Lambert was asked and his replies, courtesy of The Guardian.
You just don't rate him as a player?
"No, I do, I do. I've got 25 guys to look after. The most important thing is this club and I'll always make decisions that I think is right for this club. And I'll live and die by them. That's the nature of the beast."
How did Darren take it when you told him he was not on the bench?
"I just read the team out. Listen, you've got more to worry about when you've got a game of football to play. And the lads that are going to take the field of play and the lads that are going to be on the bench, you've got to get them focused on the game. And that's all I try and do, pick a team that I think will win us the game."
Did he stomp off?
"Nah, nah. I would tell you. I swear to God I would tell you. Honestly."
How would you describe his attitude after you read the team out?
"Fine. I read the team out and I've always done that. As I said, the most important thing is Aston Villa, that's the most important thing."
Will you listen to offers for him in January because, for whatever reason, he doesn't seem to fit the bill for you?
"Honestly, my main concern is winning games for this club. We've got to win games. The crowd are brilliant, they're right behind you, and I'll still pick a team that I think will win us games."
Can you see him playing again under you?
"Yeah, listen, I never rule anything out. You don't. I keep saying it, I'll pick a team and a squad that I think will win. I ain't going to pick a team and a squad that I think will lose. The game's about winning. I want to try and pick a team that I think will win. I've got 26 guys to look after, some are injured. If you make it just an individual thing, it's a team game. You need everybody to pull the same way and that's hopefully what we'll create here."
Liam Apicella
