[UNITED ARAB EMIRATES] Frenchman Pierre Barrieu, who served as fitness coach on the last three U.S. World Cup teams, has taken a post as head fitness coach and assistant coach with the United Arab Emirates' national team.

Barrieu, who relocated with his family to Dubai in September, was out of a job when Jurgen Klinsmann took over as U.S. national team coach in August, replacing Bob Bradley.

Barrieu originally came to the United States from France when his wife, Florence, a software engineer, was offered a position in the United States. Pierre had been a professional team handball player, soccer coach and university instructor.

The Barrieus moved to Charlottesville, Va., where Pierre hooked up with the University of Virginia soccer coach George Gelnovatch, who played for Bruce Arena, his predecessor as head coach.

Arena was at the time head coach of the national team, and Barrieu soon began helping the team with its fitness work. Barrieu's work was credited with the USA's excellent fitness at the 2002 World Cup, where it reached the quarterfinals.

Barrieu also worked with the 2006 and 2010 World Cup teams. Other assistants from the 2010 team who have moved on include Jesse Marsch and Mike Sorber, who are now the head coach and assistant coach with the MLS expansion team in Montreal.