Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is back in the game. The former Manchester United boss has found new life at Turkish giants Besiktas.
He arrived at a club in crisis. Besiktas (3993.02) were in structural disarray and players were not being paid on time.
A Rocky Start at Besiktas
When Solskjaer took charge, the mood at Besiktas was bleak. The Istanbul side was languishing in mid-table and off-field issues had dominated headlines. Financial instability plagued the club, and morale was low. Players were openly expressing frustration. Meanwhile, the boardroom lacked direction, and the fans were growing restless.
Despite these challenges, Solskjaer accepted the job. He knew it wouldn’t be easy, but he saw potential. He was determined to rebuild both the team and his reputation.
Key Wins Spark New Hope
Results were mixed at first. However, two big wins under Solskjaer’s leadership have given fans reason to believe. The 4-1 UEFA Europa League win over Athletic Club was a major statement. Besiktas played with intensity, confidence and tactical discipline. They overran their Spanish opponents, who were expected to dominate.
Then came a gritty 2-1 win against Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig. This was a huge moment. Galatasaray are Besiktas’ fierce rivals and current title race leaders. Solskjaer’s side showed resilience and composure in a heated derby atmosphere.
These victories reminded fans of what Besiktas can be. More importantly, they reminded the world of Solskjaer’s tactical intelligence. He adapted to the Turkish game quickly, building around youth, energy and aggressive pressing.
Still a Long Road Ahead
However, Besiktas remain inconsistent. Solskjaer has not waved a magic wand. The club still has financial troubles and a thin squad. Several players are carrying injuries. Others are playing through off-field distractions. It’s clear that the problems Solskjaer inherited will take time to fix. Nevertheless, the signs of progress are encouraging. The team is playing with more structure. There’s a clear game plan now, and the players are buying into it.
Fans are starting to dream again. While expectations remain realistic, there is cautious optimism in Istanbul. Solskjaer is giving Besiktas stability and direction.
Solskjaer Deserves More Respect
Many critics wrote Solskjaer off after his stint at Manchester United. They focused on his inability to win the Premier League. But managing a club like United is no easy task, especially during a turbulent period.
At Besiktas, he has proven he can thrive under pressure. He’s operating with fewer resources and more off-field distractions. Yet, he is getting results and building belief. Some fans and pundits judged Solskjaer too quickly. He wasn’t perfect at United, but he also wasn’t a failure. He led them to a second-place finish in the Premier League and a Europa League final.
Now, at Besiktas, he is showing he belongs at the top level. His man-management skills remain a strength. He motivates players and creates a positive dressing room, even in difficult times.
A Tough Job in a Tough League
The Turkish Super Lig is no walk in the park. Matches are intense, the media is ruthless, and club politics can be draining. Solskjaer has handled it all with composure.
He’s navigating language barriers, a passionate fanbase and a volatile soccer culture. Not many foreign managers last long in Turkiye. Solskjaer, though, is winning hearts and proving doubters wrong. He’s also adjusting to the Turkish transfer market. With limited funds, he’s focusing on youth and loan deals. That strategy has brought mixed results, but it shows long-term thinking.
In this environment, even small improvements matter. Besiktas look better organised. Their work rate has increased, and confidence is returning.
What the Future Holds
Solskjaer’s long-term future at Besiktas is still uncertain. The club’s finances could impact their ability to keep him. Other clubs might come calling if he continues to impress.
For now, though, he seems settled. He’s enjoying the challenge and building something meaningful. Besiktas may not win the title this season, but they are no longer the disjointed mess of months past. Solskjaer’s revival is also a lesson in patience. Success doesn’t always come instantly. Sometimes, rebuilding a career means taking on difficult jobs and proving your worth all over again.
He’s done that in Turkiye. While he still has much to prove, he’s reminding the world of his talent. That could even impact the online sports betting odds, as Besiktas become a team to watch once again.
