Egypt's Al-Ahly's coach Hossam Al Badry attends a news conference for the Club World Cup soccer match against Brazil's Corinthians in Nagoya, central Japan December 11, 2012 (Photo: Reuters)
Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry has denied reports that he asked the management to allow the Reds' duo stars Mohamed Barakat and Emad Meteb to leave the club when the winter transfer window reopens in January.
"I can't ask to offload experienced players like Meteb and Barakat as they have an important role in the team squad," El-Badry told the Middle East News Agency (MENA) Saturday.
"I need all the team players during the coming competitions," he added.
"Sitting on the bench doesn't mean they are useless, I use the player in the time I need him."
"Abou-Treika sits on the bench while I call him when the team needs," the tactician said.
The 36-year-old Barakat has been benched in the FIFA Club World Cup alongside striker Meteb, whereas reports in the media claimed that El-Badry asked management to offload the older players from the team squad.
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