Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is poised for a dramatic return to football management, with Turkish giants Besiktas reportedly close to securing his services. The Norwegian tactician, who has been out of management since his Old Trafford departure in November 2021, appears ready to embark on a new chapter in his coaching career in the vibrant football atmosphere of Istanbul.
Turkish journalist Sercan Dikme has revealed that negotiations between Solskjaer and Besiktas are at an advanced stage, with the former United manager expected to attend the club’s upcoming fixture against Samsunspor as an observer. The appointment would mark a significant moment in both Solskjaer’s career and Besiktas’s ambitious plans for the future.
The timing of Solskjaer’s potential return adds an intriguing subplot to Turkish football, as it would pit him against fellow former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, who currently leads title-chasing Fenerbahce. This managerial rivalry promises to add extra spice to an already competitive Turkish Super Lig.
Besiktas’s pursuit of Solskjaer comes at a crucial juncture for the club, which has been operating under interim manager Serdar Topraktepe following the departure of Giovanni van Bronckhorst in December. The Istanbul powerhouse currently sits sixth in the Super Lig table, struggling to maintain pace with the league’s frontrunners and facing additional pressure from their Europa League campaign, where they currently occupy 28th position.
The Norwegian’s potential appointment represents a bold move by Besiktas’s hierarchy, who are seeking to stabilize the club and restore its competitive edge. Solskjaer’s first major test could come as soon as January 22, with a challenging Europa League fixture against Athletic Bilbao looming on the horizon.
During his tenure at Manchester United, Solskjaer demonstrated his ability to manage at the highest level, overseeing 149 games across all competitions. His achievements included guiding the Red Devils to a second-place finish in the Premier League and reaching the Europa League final. However, his reign ended following a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Watford, leading to his departure from Old Trafford after two and a half years at the helm.
The move to Turkish football represents a significant shift in Solskjaer’s managerial journey. Having turned down several opportunities since leaving Manchester United, his decision to accept the Besiktas challenge suggests a carefully considered return to management. The Turkish Super Lig’s reputation for passionate football and intense competition could provide the perfect platform for Solskjaer to rebuild his managerial reputation.
Besiktas’s current situation presents both challenges and opportunities for the Norwegian coach. The club’s rich history and passionate fanbase demand success, but recent struggles have created a need for stability and tactical innovation. Solskjaer’s experience in managing high-pressure situations at Manchester United could prove invaluable in navigating these challenges.
The potential face-offs against Mourinho’s Fenerbahce will add particular intrigue to the Turkish football calendar. Both managers shared the Old Trafford hot seat at different times, and their contrasting styles and approaches could create fascinating tactical battles in their future encounters.
As Besiktas prepares for this new era under Solskjaer, attention will focus on how quickly he can implement his philosophy and turn around the club’s fortunes. His ability to develop young talent and manage experienced professionals during his time at Manchester United suggests he could be well-suited to the diverse squad at Besiktas.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the success of this new venture. With the January transfer window open, Solskjaer might have the opportunity to shape the squad according to his vision, provided the appointment is confirmed swiftly. His understanding of both European and Premier League football could prove valuable in identifying potential reinforcements for the Turkish side.
For Solskjaer personally, this move represents an opportunity to prove his critics wrong and demonstrate that his managerial career still has significant chapters to be written. The passionate atmosphere of Turkish football and the challenge of competing in both domestic and European competitions provide the perfect stage for his managerial comeback.
