Benjamin Mendy frozen out at Lorient as manager does not want balance of squad 'disturbed' by ex-Man City defender

Per the Daily Mail, Pantaloni has told former Manchester City ace Mendy that he is no longer required at Lorient. The club were relegated at the end of last season, having signed the left-back in July of 2023. Mendy had been on trial for rape, but was cleared of seven counts, as well as one count of attempted rape. Following that trial, Lorient secured his signature, leading to protests from supporters.

Now, following their relegation to Ligue 2, Pantaloni has not included Mendy in either of the club's matchday squads this season; they have won both games without him. Per the report, Lorient fans have previously branded Mendy a "rapist" and urged him to leave the club, doing so following their drop through the trapdoor. Now, Pantaloni says he does not want the balance of the squad "disturbed" by his presence.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, he said: "Sportingly, they know that these are not players that I particularly want to have in the group. I don't want the balance of the group to be disturbed or even hampered by the arrival in the team of players who do not want to experience a journey with FC Lorient."

Lorient play Amiens on Saturday. Mendy, it appears, will not be involved in the squad after Pantaloni's forthright comments.