Former Manchester United player and manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, is set to return to management with Turkish football giants Besiktas. After a long spell out of the managerial limelight since his sacking by Manchester United in November 2021, Solskjaer’s appointment marks a new chapter in his career. The Norwegian coach, who has previously managed the Red Devils with varying degrees of success, is expected to take the reins at the Istanbul-based club, with official confirmation of the move believed to be imminent.
In a statement released by the club, Besiktas revealed that Gunnar Solskjaer had arrived in Istanbul to begin negotiations for the managerial role. This announcement comes just a few days after reports emerged about the possibility of the former United boss returning to the dugout. The move will see Solskjaer take charge of the team following the sacking of Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who had been in charge since the summer but was dismissed after a poor run of results.
Solskjaer’s Return to Management After a Long Absence
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has not managed a club since his departure from Manchester United over two years ago. The Norwegian, who famously played as a striker for the Red Devils and became a fan favorite, was appointed as United’s caretaker manager in December 2018 after the sacking of Jose Mourinho. Gunnar Solskjaer’s brief tenure as caretaker manager was a success, leading to a permanent contract in March 2019. His tenure, however, was marked by inconsistent results, and after a poor run of form, he was ultimately dismissed by the club in November 2021.
Since then, Gunnar Solskjaer has largely stayed out of the managerial spotlight. He briefly worked as a match analyst for UEFA and was spotted attending Premier League matches to observe various teams and players. Despite being away from the front lines of management, Solskjaer never seemed to lose his passion for the game, and it was clear that he was waiting for the right opportunity to return to the managerial world.
Now, it seems that opportunity has arrived. Gunnar Solskjaer is set to take over Besiktas, a club with a rich history in Turkish football. His arrival in Istanbul is seen as a fresh start, and fans of the club are hopeful that his experience and leadership will help turn around Besiktas’ fortunes.
Besiktas and the Recent Managerial Changes
Besiktas, one of the top clubs in Turkey, has experienced significant turbulence in the managerial position this season. Giovanni van Bronckhorst was appointed as the club’s head coach in the summer, and initially, things seemed to be going well. The team enjoyed a strong start to the 2023-2024 campaign, with their most notable achievement being a 5-0 thrashing of their bitter rivals, Galatasaray, to win the Turkish Supercup in August. By late October, Besiktas was sitting in second place in the Turkish Süper Lig, putting them in a strong position for a title challenge.
However, despite the bright start, things quickly turned sour for van Bronckhorst. A string of disappointing results saw the club’s form dip, and by the end of November, the Dutch coach was dismissed. His sacking marked the beginning of yet another period of instability at Besiktas, as the club turned to former forward Serdar Topraktep as interim manager. Unfortunately for Topraktep, he has struggled to steer the team back to winning ways, and Besiktas currently find themselves in sixth place in the league. While they are only one point off the European qualification spots, their inconsistent performances have left the club in a precarious position.
Besiktas has not only seen changes in the managerial position but also in the club’s presidency. Three different figures have held the role of club president this season, with Serdal Adali becoming the most recent president in late December. This instability off the pitch has undoubtedly affected the team’s performances, and the appointment of a permanent manager like Gunnar Solskjaer is seen as an essential step in stabilizing the club and moving forward.
Gunnar Solskjaer’s Potential Impact at Besiktas
Gunnar Solskjaer’s potential arrival at Besiktas offers a fresh perspective for the club. With his experience at Manchester United, particularly his time in charge of a high-profile club in the Premier League, Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge and tactical understanding to Besiktas. While his time at United was marked by both highs and lows, Gunnar Solskjaer proved that he could handle the pressure of managing a top club and working with big-name players.
Besiktas will be hoping that Gunnar Solskjaer can replicate some of his positive qualities at Old Trafford, such as his ability to create a cohesive team and his focus on attacking football. While Solskjaer’s reign at Manchester United was ultimately cut short due to inconsistent results, his impact on the team’s attacking play, particularly in the early stages of his tenure, was significant. At Besiktas, he will have the opportunity to build a team with a clear identity and work towards achieving success both domestically and in Europe.
In addition to his tactical acumen, Gunnar Solskjaer’s leadership qualities are likely to be crucial in guiding Besiktas through their current challenges. The club’s recent managerial changes and off-field instability have created a sense of uncertainty, and Solskjaer’s calm demeanor and experience in managing under pressure could help to restore some stability and confidence within the squad.
A Rivalry Reignited: Gunnar Solskjaer vs Mourinho
One of the most intriguing aspects of Gunnar Solskjaer’s potential appointment at Besiktas is the prospect of reigniting his rivalry with Jose Mourinho. The two managers have a storied history, with Mourinho being the manager Gunnar Solskjaer replaced as caretaker at Manchester United in 2018. Their relationship has always been somewhat frosty, and the competition between the two men has fueled a fierce rivalry.
Solskjaer’s first few months as Manchester United manager were marked by a series of head-to-head clashes with Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur. Gunnar Solskjaer’s United won both encounters against Spurs in the 2019-2020 season, including a memorable 2-1 victory at Wembley in December 2019. However, Mourinho would have the last laugh in October 2020, when his Spurs side thrashed United 6-1 at Old Trafford, a result that left many questioning Solskjaer’s future at the club.
Now, with Mourinho managing Fenerbahce, Besiktas’ biggest rivals in Istanbul, the rivalry between the two could be set to continue in Turkey’s Super Lig. Gunnar Solskjaer and Mourinho will likely meet on the touchline in the Turkish league, adding another layer of excitement to their already heated rivalry. Fans of both clubs will be eager to see how this new chapter unfolds, with both managers keen to assert their dominance in Turkish football.
The Future of Besiktas Under Gunnar Solskjaer
If Gunnar Solskjaer is confirmed as Besiktas’ new manager, the club will hope that his leadership can steer them back to the top of Turkish football. Despite their current struggles, Besiktas have a proud history and a passionate fanbase that will expect success under Gunnar Solskjaer’s guidance. With the right managerial structure and tactical approach, Besiktas have the potential to challenge for the Super Lig title and qualify for European competitions once again.
For Gunnar Solskjaer, the move to Besiktas represents a significant opportunity to prove himself as a top manager once again. After his mixed tenure at Manchester United, he will be determined to show that he can succeed in a new environment and build a competitive team. The challenge in Turkey will be different from his previous experiences, but with his wealth of knowledge and experience, Gunnar Solskjaer will be ready to face it head-on.
Conclusion: A New Beginning for Gunnar Solskjaer
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s potential move to Besiktas marks an exciting new chapter in his managerial career. After spending over two years out of the spotlight, Gunnar Solskjaer’s return to management will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike. With Besiktas struggling to find consistency this season, Solskjaer will be tasked with stabilizing the team and getting them back on track for success. The prospect of reigniting his rivalry with Jose Mourinho in the Turkish Super Lig adds an extra layer of intrigue to the situation, and it will be fascinating to see how the two managers fare in their new roles. Gunnar Solskjaer’s appointment is a significant moment for both him and Besiktas, and fans will be hoping that it marks the start of a new era for the club.
