Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has officially returned to the world of football as the new head coach of Turkish giants Besiktas. Announced last week, Solskjaer's appointment marks his first managerial role since leaving Manchester United in November 2021 and signals his intent to revive his career after more than three years away from the touchline.
Besiktas, currently sitting sixth in the Super Lig, has been struggling under the weight of performance pressures and managerial changes, leading to Solskjaer's arrival following the dismissal of Giovanni van Bronckhorst. The Norwegian, who has been celebrated for his leadership qualities, faces high expectations as he takes the reins of the storied Istanbul club, renowned not only for its football accomplishments but also its vibrant sports culture.
Reflecting on his return, Solskjaer expressed excitement over the potential at Besiktas, stating, "This project seems a little bit like Man United for me. We were sixth, then third and second. Step by step." The sentiment ties back to his professional mantra of rebuilding and improving teams slowly but surely, reminiscent of his time at Old Trafford where he gradually improved the team’s standings.
Interestingly, Solskjaer revealed the encouragement behind his decision to manage again was influenced by his daughter. "One thing: my daughter was born on March 3, 2003. If we go back in history, March 3, 1903 was the foundation of Besiktas, so I think this is a sign as well," he shared. This personal connection highlights the emotional ties and the serendipity behind his return.
During his appointment’s introductory press conferences, Solskjaer addressed rampant speculation linking him to former Manchester United players, particularly Marcus Rashford and Casemiro. Despite media chatter buzzing about potential moves, he emphasized, "Casemiro, Marcus, two very good players, but I have not spoken to any of them." His words, though reassuring for fans, reflect the challenging balance between leveraging past contacts and building his unique path at Besiktas.
Since arriving, Solskjaer has begun assessing his squad, searching for potential transfers to strengthen the team. He remarked, "We are looking at possibilities for transfers in a few different positions," hinting at coming changes to the roster as he aims to reinvent the club’s strategy.
Solskjaer's first match in charge will see Besiktas face Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League, marking a significant opportunity for him to leave his mark early on. Football analysts suggest this game could set the tone for his tenure and potentially reignite the supporters’ passion after disappointing results this season.
His management philosophy, previously demonstrated at United, emphasizes player development and morale building. The question remains if he can replicate this approach amid the often volatile environment of Turkish football, where expectations can shift dramatically with minimal notice. Solskjaer is now tasked with fostering resilience and unity within the team.
Besiktas fans, who have endured fluctuations with managerial changes over recent months, will surely be watching closely to see if Solskjaer's historic ability to steady troubled waters at Manchester United will translate to renewed success at their club. With his track record of fostering youthful talent, his next decisions will center around player empowerment as he seeks victory both at home and abroad.
All eyes will be on the upcoming Europa League fixture as supporters hope Solskjaer can lead Besiktas back to competitiveness. If he can inspire the squad to produce unexpected results, it might just reignite their push for accolades, and perhaps even rejuvenate the club’s ambitious spirit.
With fervent fans hoping for resurgence, Solskjaer’s road is fraught with both expectation and uncertainty. Only time will reveal whether this latest chapter will articulate success, but if his previous engagements serve as any guide, Solskjaer may yet find the turning point he is searching for. Sacrifices will be made, but many believe it could all lead to remarkable achievements.