Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is making his long-awaited return to management as he prepares to lead Besiktas in the Turkish Super Lig.
The Norwegian coach, best known for his time at Manchester United, has agreed to a one-and-a-half-year contract with the Istanbul-based club. This move comes 3 years after Coach Solskjaer’s departure from Old Trafford.
Solskjaer arrives in Istanbul for final negotiations with Besiktas
Coach Solskjaer landed in Istanbul earlier today, accompanied by his agent Jim Solbakken. Besiktas confirmed ongoing talks with Solskjaer in an official statement to the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP), signaling the final stages of negotiations.
The Norwegian manager is set to attend Besiktas’ league match against Samsunspor before officially taking over.
According to reports, coach Solskjaer will lead his first match as Besiktas head coach on January 22, when the team faces Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League. The club’s management, led by President Serdal Adali, has expressed optimism about Solskjaer’s potential to revitalize the team after a challenging season.
Besiktas aims for improvement after disappointing Super Lig season
Besiktas currently sits 6th in the Super Lig standings, trailing league leaders Galatasaray by 20 points. The team has struggled with inconsistency throughout the season, which led to the dismissal of Giovanni van Bronckhorst in November.
Interim coach Serdar Topraktepe has overseen operations since then, but the club is now turning to Solskjaer to bring stability and results.
Besiktas is banking on Solskjaer’s experience, which includes managing Manchester United for nearly three years. During his tenure, coach Solskjaer guided United to a second-place Premier League finish in 2021 and a Europa League final, though the team ultimately lost to Villarreal in a penalty shootout.
Coach Solskjaer joins Turkish Super Lig alongside Jose Mourinho
Solskjaer’s arrival in Türkiye sets up a fascinating rivalry with Jose Mourinho, another former Manchester United manager who now leads Fenerbahce.
Mourinho has been vocal about the competitive nature of the Turkish Super Lig and recently criticized the league’s “intense and challenging environment.”
The two managers will meet on May 4 in a highly anticipated match between Besiktas and Fenerbahce. Solskjaer and Mourinho have faced each other 5 times, with both securing two wins and one draw. Their renewed competition adds an extra layer of intrigue to the Super Lig, which already boasts fierce rivalries among its top clubs.
Solskjaer’s managerial career and expectations at Besiktas
Solskjaer’s career as a manager began after his retirement as a player in 2007. He led Norway’s Molde to two league titles before taking charge of Cardiff City in 2014. Although Cardiff was relegated under his leadership, Solskjaer gained valuable experience that prepared him for future opportunities.
His most notable role came at Manchester United, where he initially served as a caretaker manager in December 2018. After achieving positive results, Coach Solskjaer was named the permanent head coach in March 2019. His tenure at United included significant moments, such as reaching the Europa League final and finishing second in the Premier League.
At Besiktas, Solskjaer faces the challenge of improving the club’s domestic and European performance. Besiktas fans expect him to build a strong team capable of competing with Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, the league’s current frontrunners.
Besiktas prepares for a new chapter under Solskjaer
The appointment of Solskjaer marks a pivotal moment for Besiktas as the club seeks to bounce back from recent struggles. The Norwegian coach’s arrival signals a new chapter, with high hopes for both domestic success and progress in the Europa League.
Coach Solskjaer’s familiarity with high-pressure environments and his record of developing players could prove invaluable to Besiktas. His return to coaching has already generated excitement among fans, who are eager to see how the team evolves under his leadership.
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