Ole Gunnar Solskjær is back in the dugout, having been appointed as the new head coach of Turkish giants Besiktas. This marks the Norwegian’s first managerial role since parting ways with Manchester United in 2021.
Solskjær landed in Istanbul on Friday to finalise the details of an 18-month contract, replacing Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who was sacked last November. Interim manager Serdar Topraktepe had been overseeing the team, but the club has now placed its faith in Solskjær to lead them forward.
Upon his arrival at Ataturk Airport, Solskjær was greeted by members of the Besiktas board and enthusiastic fans. “It’s great to be here,” he said. “It’s very nice to see so many people care about this fantastic club. I’m looking forward to starting my job in this beautiful city.”
The move to Besiktas represents a fresh challenge for Solskjær, who previously managed Molde and Cardiff City. While his time at Manchester United had its highs and lows, including a Europa League final appearance, he now faces a different set of expectations at a club with 21 domestic league titles but currently sitting sixth in the Turkish Super Lig.
Besiktas’ struggles this season underline the urgency of the task ahead. The club is aiming to climb the league table and re-establish itself as a dominant force in Turkish football. Solskjær’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment, with the team needing both stability and a new tactical direction.
-Adding an intriguing layer to the narrative, Solskjær will face his predecessor at Manchester United, Jose Mourinho, who is currently managing Fenerbahce. The rivalry between the two will take on a new dimension in the Super Lig, with Fenerbahce currently second in the standings behind Galatasaray.
While Solskjær’s managerial credentials remain a topic of debate, this appointment provides him with an opportunity to prove his mettle in a league that values passion and results. The Norwegian’s ability to adapt to the unique challenges of Turkish football will likely determine the success of his tenure.
For Besiktas fans, the hope is that Solskjær can reinvigorate a struggling side and deliver the success they crave. For Solskjær, it’s a chance to revive his managerial career on a new stage, under a different kind of spotlight.
