Calderon was also quoted by the Saudi publication as saying the Egyptian striker had squandered so many opportunities in the Dean's recent games.

But the Argentine coach assured that he would never criticize any of his players in public.

"I'm not like those coaches who usually denounce their players, this is not a professional approach," Calderon told Al-Watan paper on Wednesday.

"I treat my players fairly, and I always put their circumstances into consideration.

"I make allowance for Meteb because he has to travel to Egypt every once and a while to finish university.

"He's trying to juggle education and a football career. Ittihad's board have no reservations about his plans, and we are all supporting him."