Solskjaer Excited for Besiktas Challenge, Draws Parallels with Manchester United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has taken charge of Besiktas, drawing parallels with his previous stint at Manchester United, and expressed his excitement for the challenge ahead in the Turkish Super Lig.

Newly appointed Besiktas manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead, drawing parallels between his new role and his previous stint at Manchester United. Solskjaer, 51, has agreed to a deal that will keep him at the Turkish Super Lig club until the end of next season, with an option to extend for another year. This marks his return to management after being sacked by Manchester United in 2021.

Solskjaer's managerial career at Manchester United began in December 2018, when he took over as caretaker manager, replacing Jose Mourinho. At the time, the team was sixth in the standings. Solskjaer's impressive run of 10 wins out of 13 league games earned him a three-year deal. During his tenure, he guided United to third and second-place Premier League finishes, as well as a Europa League final appearance. However, a poor run of form led to his departure in November 2021, with United in seventh place in the league standings.

In his first press conference as Besiktas manager, Solskjaer spoke about the similarities between his new role and his previous experience at Manchester United. “I've been outside football for a little while, as a boss,” Solskjaer said. “But I've been working in UEFA and I've been following football as well as this club... This project seems a little bit like Manchester United for me. We were sixth, then we became third and then second. And this is step-by-step.” Solskjaer emphasized his ambition to succeed at Besiktas, stating, “And of course, we're here to win, so hopefully we can make it faster. But we have to be realistic.”

Solskjaer also revealed that he had received multiple job offers since leaving Manchester United but was drawn to Besiktas' project. “And yes, I had many offers, but as I said before, it had to be the right offer worth me moving away from my perfect life,” he said.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer emphasized the importance of being realistic about Besiktas' goals, despite his ambition to succeed. “And of course, we're here to win, so hopefully we can make it faster. But we have to be realistic,” he said. Besiktas, with 16 Turkish Super Lig titles under their belt, are currently fifth in the standings. The club had been without a permanent head coach since Giovanni van Bronckhorst's departure in November.

Solskjaer expressed his enthusiasm for the project presented by the club's President and board, which convinced him to take on the challenge. “You need to feel that heartbeat racing again, because (you ask) 'do you have the energy?' and the project that the President and the board have been talking to me about, it was the right thing I needed now,” he added. Having followed Manchester United's fortunes since his departure, Solskjaer acknowledged the difficulties the club has faced. “I've been following United (since I left) and it's difficult when it goes down. You need to just turn the boat and hopefully, we can turn the boat quickly here.”

Solskjaer praised the young talent at Besiktas, singling out Semih Kilicsoy (19) and Mustafa Hekimoglu (17) for special mention. When asked about their potential, Solskjaer cautioned against making comparisons with top players. “A little bit unfair to compare with Erling Haaland,” he said. “Because Haaland is one of the best strikers in the world, but we will help them to become as good as they can get.” Solskjaer's focus is on nurturing the young talent and helping them reach their full potential.

Besiktas face a challenging schedule ahead, including a visit to Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce in May. The club is also competing in the Europa League, where they currently sit 28th in the standings, just a point off the playoff places with two games left to play in the league phase.