Solskjaer named head coach of Beşiktaş

Solskjaer named head coach of Beşiktaş
Solskjaer named head coach of Beşiktaş

Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was officially unveiled as Beşiktaş's new head coach during a press conference in Istanbul. The 51-year-old Norwegian has signed a contract worth 3.6 million euros until the end of the 2025-2026 season, with an option for an additional year.

This marks Solskjaer's return to management following his departure from Manchester United in 2021. He will be joined by assistant coach Erling Moe and goalkeeper coach Richard John Hartis at the Istanbul club. Solskjaer, who previously managed Molde and Cardiff City, takes over from Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who left the club in November.

Beşiktaş, 21-time Turkish champions, currently sit sixth in the Süper Lig standings. The appointment comes at a crucial time as the club faces Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League, followed by a domestic fixture against Antalyaspor. In the Europa League, Beşiktaş are currently 28th in the standings, just one point away from the play-off positions with two games remaining in the league phase.

Solskjaer was present at the club's recent match against Samsunspor, which was overseen by interim head coach Serdar Topraktepe. In the Turkish Süper Lig, he will face familiar competition in Jose Mourinho, his predecessor at Manchester United, who currently manages second-placed Fenerbahçe.

The Norwegian expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenge, revealing that he had declined several other offers before accepting the Beşiktaş role. The club officially welcomed Solskjaer through a statement on their website, expressing their belief in his potential contribution to the team's success.