Marcos Paquetá would be privileged to be appointed as the new head coach of the Iraq national team, the 59-year-old has stated.
And the Brazilian, who has spent the past ten years working for different clubs within the Middle East, admits he would be open to the idea of leading out the Lions.
“I am very happy to be nominated for the position,” he told Al-Kass Sports Channel.
“No one called me but I would be proud.
“Of course it would be a real challenge, but they have a great group of players and I am confident I could coach the team to victory.”
Paquetá also spoke highly of two Iraqi household names as it appears the former national team players have been encouraging the Brazilian to push for the role.
He added: “I have a great relationship with Younis Mahmoud as well as Nashat Akram. Younis has encouraged me to take the job and has been in contact with me regularly.”
One condition put in place by the Iraq FA is for their next manager to be based in the country and to regularly attend league matches.
“I have no problem living in Erbil as I know it is a safe city.”
Other managers have also been linked with the job, including Walter Zenga, Alejandro Sabella, Stuart Baxter and Alberto Zaccheroni.
Who would you like to see take charge?