Why is Carlos Queiroz managing Iran? Former Manchester United assistant and Real Madrid boss has led Team Melli to two straight World Cups
China PR vs IR Iran during their 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Final Qualification Round Group A match at Shenyang Olympic Sports Center Stadium on 06 September 2016, in Shenyang, China. Photo by Marcio Machado / Power Sport Images
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Loading...The Sun – LONDON, Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant has not looked back since making the shock move East.
CARLOS QUEIROZ’S illustrious CV includes managerial jobs at Portugal and Real Madrid, and two lengthy spells as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United.
But this World Cup, he will be hoping to lead Iran to new heights.
Who is Carlos Queiroz?
Carlos Queiroz was born in Nampula, Portuguese Mozambique.
After a spell with Portugal Under-20s, he was appointed boss of the full national team in 1991, where he remained for two years.
Following spells in the Middle East, Japan and the United States, Queiroz led South Africa to an impressive performance at the 2002 World Cup where he caught the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson.
A year later he was on the more again to take over as manager of Real Madrid, but he ultimately ended up sacked and returned to United for a second, four-year spell as Fergie’s assistant.
He then took over Portugal in 2008 and remained in the job until 2010 when they were knocked out of the World Cup by Spain.
Why is Carlos Queiroz managing Iran?
Queiroz has not touched upon his reasons for taking up the manager’s role with Team Melli but has struck up a fantastic bond with the fans since his appointment in 2011.
The Portuguese boss had a fantastic reputation as a coach at the time, but there were question marks over his managerial ability after unsuccessful spells with Real Madrid and Portugal.
But now he is arguably the most sought after boss in Asia after leading the Iranians to two consecutive World Cups.
He reportedly earns £1.5m-a-year in his role as Iran manager.
What impact has Carlos Queiroz had in his six years with Iran?
On a personal level, Queiroz’s lengthy stint with the Iranians has been turbulent, with the 64-year-old having resigned four times and once been held in the country due to alleged unpaid taxes.
That contrasts starkly with the discipline of his team, who are the most solid defensive unit in Asia by a distance.
Under Queiroz, Iran conceded just two goals in their World Cup qualifying group, which both came in their final match against Syria after they had already qualified.
That followed their performance at the 2014 World Cup where they held Nigeria to a goalless draw and were unlucky to lose in the last minute to a Lionel Messi wondergoal against Argentina.
Queiroz has also focused heavily on attracting players of Iranian ancestry from outside Iran to play for the national team, including players who do not speak Persian.
