Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterFour Four TwoGet FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Become a Member in Seconds Unlock instant access to exclusive member features.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.You are now subscribedYour newsletter sign-up was successfulWant to add more newsletters?Five times a weekFourFourTwo DailyFantastic football content straight to your inbox! From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more.Signup +Once a week...And its LIVE!Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off!Signup +Join the clubGet full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in.Subscribe to our newsletterAnyone tuning in to Iraq's inter-confederation play-off against Bolivia on Tuesday night (and who isn't?) may be surprised to see a familiar face lining up in the Iraq coaching team.Former Manchester United assistant and Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen will be there in the dugout in a bid to help Iraq to reach their first World Cup since 1986.That game will see the victors placed alongside France, Senegal and Norway in the group stage of the World Cup. But how exactly did Sir Alex Ferguson's former right-hand man end up in such an unexpected job?Article continues below You may like Ex-Manchester United assistant aiming for World Cup glory with Iraq Iraq World Cup 2026 squad: Graham Arnold's latest selection ahead of the World Cup qualifying inter-confederation play-offs World Cup 2026 Playoffs: The complete guide Rene Meulensteen: 'Iraq job is a fly in, fly out arrangement'Well, for starters, Meulensteen is no stranger to working in that neck of the woods having previously managed Qatari sides Al-Ittihad (now known as Al-Gharafa) and Al-Sadd, as well as the Qatar under-18s side, before his move to Old Trafford.But it is Meulensteen's work in Australia as assistant to Graham Arnold that led to the opportunity with Iraq after the former Socceroos boss took the job last May.Speaking to FourFourTwo, Meulensteen said: "We worked together taking Australia to the last World Cup Iraq approached him to be their new coach and he wanted me to join him."Before we accepted the offer, we had a discussion about what we could achieve and how the federation operated. We reached the conclusion that getting to the World Cup would be a challenge, but realistic.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."You have to undertake due diligence. Id worked in the Middle East before, so the region wasnt completely alien to me. I have a diverse network of associates, including some Iraqis, who I coached during my time in Qatar."They told me to ignore what Id seen on the television or social media and encouraged me to take on the job. Graham can be in the country for three to four months at a time, while my agreement is more of a fly in and fly out one. Ive not had any issues in Iraq the people have been extremely welcoming."There are specific challenges that Arnold and Meulensteen have had to tackle, however. What to read next 'Belgium could have won the World Cup with me' Suriname World Cup 2026 squad: Henk ten Cate's first selection ahead of the World Cup qualifying inter-confederation play-offs It really surprises me that I never see Robbie Fowler getting linked with jobs hes a fantastic manager and one of the smartest people Ive come across Former England striker baffled at why Liverpool legend is yet to get a role in the EFL The Dutchman explained: "The Australian players are playing in professional environments, whether thats at home or abroad. With Iraq, roughly half of the squad is in Europe, with the others playing domestically."The ones in Europe may not be with big clubs in the biggest leagues, but theyre exposed to nutritionists, analysts and sports psychologists to a degree. Those in Iraq wont have access to that."Its not their fault, its just the environment they find themselves in."Meulensteen is now making plans to pass on the knowledge he has accumulated over his decades in coaching to the next generation.He said: "Im planning to start a virtual coaching academy, focusing initially on skills development."Ive coached in various leagues and worked with some of the biggest names in the sport, so I want to share my experiences with young, aspiring coaches, no matter where in the world they are."Every young boy or girl at grassroots level is entitled to the best skills development coaching."TOPICSRene MeulensteenSir Alex FergusonManchester UnitedFulhamWorld Cup 2026World CupSteven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.With contributions fromImran Azam
