Mazda 626 clutch problem

I have a 1997 Mazda 626 4Cylinder with 145000 miles.

I had a lot of car problems, unrelated to my question, and a really slow mechanic. The car sat for about 5 months. When the repairs were done and I tried to start it. I found that I could not. The battery was dead and I replaced it. I could not get the car to start with the clutch pushed in. I thought that if the clutch was stuck in the engaged position, then it would try to start but the car would jump. If I get the car in motion, and in gear, and I stop it will stall. It will shift smoothly if the engine is off and the clutch is disengaged. I got it to start in neutral and with a push I drove it, shifting without the clutch. I replaced the slave cylinder and this did not help. The lever arm operates smootly when I push on it, with some resistance. The car will not go in gear, while sitting still, the motor running, and the clutch pedal pushed down. I don't want to rebuild the clutch if it does not need it, but I am not sure. Can you give advice?