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| That's Iraq: Milutinovic directs a Qatari TV station at training [Al Jazeera] |
Iraq's new coach Bora Milutinovic has shrugged off an astonishing attack by his former assistant as the side prepare for a Confederations Cup clash with European champions Spain.
Ex-defender Radhi Shenaishil stormed out of a training camp in Qatar this week, branding Milutinovic's methods "theatrical".
He slammed the Serb – who is the only man to take five teams into the World Cup finals – as "not qualified" to lead the Asian champions after taking training at Doha's Aspire academy.
'Fundamentally wrong'
"I thought that our training camp in Qatar would be great, but I was surprised by Bora's approach, who knows nothing about the players," Radhi told Al-Iraqia television.
"The training sessions were theatrical and there is no way that I would accept being a part of something so fundamentally wrong.
"Also, I couldn't remain quiet because that would be equivalent to betraying Iraq.
"He is not qualified to guide our team, and he was surprised by the strength of my relationship with all players, even though he thought I had something against those players that play outside Iraq."
Before Milutinovic's appointment, Radhi had guided Iraq to a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia and a 2-1 defeat to South Korea as caretaker after the sacking of Jorvan Vieira in February.
Exile issue
The selection of footballers from clubs outside war-torn Iraq is a big issue in the domestic game, with players like Asian Cup-winning captain Younis Mahmoud earning their wages in the Qatar Stars League.
In an interview with Al Jazeera at training on Thursday, Milutinovic said he was prepared to pick players on merit only.
"For me it is only about Iraqi players – players with ability," the 64-year-old said.
"I don't make decisions based on what country they are playing in."
He dismissed Radhi's comments, saying he was happy to have appointed long-time Chilean assistant Julio Cesar.
"He (Radhi) left. Ask him why," Milutinovic said.
"I speak about the people that belong to the team.
"Me and Julio have been together since a long time ago, with China and Honduras and Jamaica – and also Al-Sadd here in Qatar.
"We are friends and he has excellent vision in football."
Solidarity brothers
With the security situation in Iraq still poor, Milutinovic welcomed the chance to train in Qatar as the team prepare to represent Asia in the Confederations Cup in South Africa next month.
Iraq are grouped with South Africa, Spain and New Zealand, with the United States, Brazil, world champions Italy and Egypt forming the other half of the tournament.
"It's very difficult to find a paradise for the sport like Aspire," he said.
"This is a great place to prepare and I'm so happy to receive help from Qatar.
"It is the solidarity between brothers."
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