Queiroz confirms Iran talks [VIDEO]

Sport360 – ABU DHABI, Former Portugal and Real Madrid boss Carlos Queiroz has confirmed he is considering an offer to become the new head coach of the Iran national team.

Queiroz, 57, has been out of the game since being axed by the Portuguese Football Federation last September after Portugal’s poor start to their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

But a return to management could now be imminent for the Mozambique-born tactician, who also enjoyed two spells as Sir Alex Ferguson’s right-hand man at Manchester United.

Speaking to Sport360° at the inaugural Laureus Football Challenge, Queiroz confessed he was eager to return to the dugout and was merely “waiting for the right opportunity.”

And that may well be with Iran, who have been without a coach since former incumbent Afshin Ghotbi departed for J-League side Shimizu S-Pulse after leading the country to the quarter-finals of the recent Asian Cup.

“There have been some discussions, yes,” said Queiroz regarding the vacancy.
“There is an offer and I am studying it, but I must stress there is nothing concrete.”

Queiroz is understood to held talks with Iranian Football Federation (IFF) president Ali Kaffashian in Tehran last week, with reports indicating he has been offered a three-year contract worth $6million (Dh30m).

Talks could continue in Abu Dhabi over the coming days as Iran are due to take on Russia in a friendly match at the Sheikh Zayed Sports City in the UAE capital on Wednesday evening.

Should he accept the position, the much-travelled Queiroz will bring a wealth of experience to the role having been manager of the United Arab Emirates and South Africa amongst others during a 20-year coaching career.