Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær is on the verge of completing a move to take charge of Turkish giants Besiktas. The 51-year-old Norwegian, who has been out of management since his departure from Old Trafford in 2021, is set to sign an 18-month deal with the Istanbul-based Super Lig club. This appointment marks his highly anticipated return to the dugout.
Solskjær arrived in Istanbul on Friday, where he was greeted by a warm reception from Besiktas board members and fans at the Ataturk airport. Speaking to the press upon his arrival, he expressed his excitement about taking on this new challenge.
“I am very happy to be here. It is great to have so many people here for this great club,” Solskjær said. “We have had our first meetings. I am looking forward to starting my job. It is great to be in this great city.”
Besiktas’ Struggles in the Super Lig
Besiktas, one of Turkey’s most storied football clubs with 21 league titles to their name, has struggled this season. They currently sit sixth in the Super Lig table, far behind their fierce rivals Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, who occupy the top two spots. The club has been searching for a new head coach since parting ways with Giovanni van Bronckhorst last month.
First interview of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. ️#EagleOfTheNorth pic.twitter.com/yoOReIAgi4
— Beşiktaş EN (@BesiktasEnglish) January 17, 2025
The Besiktas board hopes Solskjær’s arrival will revitalize the team and guide them back into contention for domestic and European success. The Norwegian’s track record as a manager includes two successful spells at Norwegian club Molde, where he won multiple league titles and cups, and his tenure at Manchester United, where he led the Red Devils to a second-place finish in the Premier League and the Europa League final in 2021.
A Tactical Clash with Former Rival José Mourinho
Solskjær’s move to Besiktas will see him reignite a tactical rivalry with José Mourinho, the man he succeeded as Manchester United manager in 2018. Mourinho is currently at the helm of Fenerbahce, who are in second place in the Super Lig standings and vying for the league title. This dynamic sets the stage for highly anticipated encounters between the two managers in Turkey, adding another layer of intrigue to the Super Lig’s already competitive environment.
Besiktas fans will be hoping Solskjær can replicate some of the tactical nous and leadership that helped him turn around Manchester United during his tenure there, particularly during his initial stint as interim manager.
Solskjær’s Challenges at Besiktas
While Besiktas boasts a rich history and a passionate fanbase, Solskjær faces a series of challenges as he takes over the club. The team has struggled with consistency this season, and key players have underperformed. Moreover, Besiktas’ position in the league table underscores the urgency for improvement to secure European competition next season.
Solskjær will need to implement his footballing philosophy quickly to turn the team’s fortunes around. Known for his counter-attacking style and focus on young talent, he may look to blend Besiktas’ experienced squad with emerging players to find the right balance. The Turkish side will also need to address defensive frailties and inconsistent attacking output to compete with league leaders Galatasaray and Fenerbahce.
Europa League Challenge Looms Large
While Saturday’s Super Lig clash against Samsunspor is expected to come too soon for Solskjær to take charge, the Norwegian could lead the team in their midweek Europa League fixture against Athletic Bilbao. This match presents an immediate test of his tactical acumen and ability to motivate his new squad.
Besiktas’ performance in Europe will be a critical part of Solskjær’s tenure, as success in continental competitions is a key measure of a manager’s impact in Turkish football. A strong showing in the Europa League could provide a much-needed morale boost for the squad and strengthen their bid to qualify for next season’s European tournaments.
A Fresh Start for Solskjær
Solskjær’s appointment at Besiktas represents a fresh start for the Norwegian, who has spent the past four years out of management since his departure from Manchester United. Despite criticism toward the end of his tenure at Old Trafford, his ability to stabilize the club during a challenging period and develop young talents earned him respect among fans and pundits alike.
At Besiktas, Solskjær has the opportunity to rebuild his managerial reputation and prove his capabilities on an international stage. The passionate fan culture in Turkey and the competitive nature of the Super Lig will provide a unique environment for him to thrive.
Besiktas Fans Welcome the New Era
The excitement among Besiktas supporters is palpable as they look forward to Solskjær’s reign. Known as one of Europe’s most passionate fanbases, Besiktas fans will expect their team to play with energy, determination, and attacking flair under their new manager. The club’s history of success in Turkish football means the pressure to deliver results will be immediate.
The anticipation for Solskjær’s tenure is heightened by the prospect of derby matches against Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, where his ability to motivate and organize his team will be put to the ultimate test.
A Promising Future
As Solskjær finalizes his appointment, Besiktas fans will be hoping this new chapter brings renewed energy and success to the club. With an experienced manager at the helm and a talented squad at his disposal, the Norwegian has the tools to guide the team back to glory. Whether he can overcome the challenges ahead remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Besiktas as they embark on this new journey under Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
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