‘Besiktas more than just a football club,’ Solskjaer tells NYT
Head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of Besiktas gestures as she follows during the Turkish Super Lig week 24 football match between Besiktas and Trabzonspor at Tupras Stadium in Istanbul, Turkiye on February 15, 2025. (AA Photo)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the head coach of Besiktas, shared his thoughts on his experience at the club in an interview with the New York Times’ The Athletic.
The former Manchester United manager expressed his excitement about working in Istanbul, a city he described as full of energy, and at a club with such a rich history.
He compared the atmosphere at Besiktas to his time at Manchester United, emphasizing the strong sense of unity.
Besiktas is more than just a football club
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the new head coach of Besiktas,
“It feels like a family, where mutual respect is at the heart of everything.” He also mentioned that he has been tasked with creating a team that plays fast, attacking football—a style of play he is eager to establish.
A club with a strong sense of family, commitment
Solskjaer spoke about the deep sense of family within Besiktas, which he said is similar to his experience at Manchester United.
He highlighted how respect, hard work, and commitment are key values at Besiktas and his former club. Solskjaer also praised Besiktas president Serdal Adali, noting his strong leadership and dedication to the club.
“Besiktas is truly special,” Solskjaer continued. “There are people here who have worked for the club for 10, 20, even 30 years. It’s a real family, and the president’s values align with mine.”
Revitalizing team
Since arriving at Besiktas, Solskjaer has focused on improving team cohesion. He observed that there were cliques among the players when he first joined, with top players sticking to smaller groups.
“I want everyone to interact more and come together as one strong team,” he said.
Solskjaer believes that even small changes in his approach have been well received, with players beginning to embrace his vision and the club’s collective ethos.
Calm, calculated approach to transfers
Solskjaer discussed Besiktas’s transfer strategy, noting that the club’s approach is more measured compared to some of its rivals.
“We don’t have unlimited funds, and we’re not going to panic in the transfer market,” he explained.
“We need to think long-term and sign the right players at the right value.”
Impressed by Besiktas fans, atmosphere
Solskjaer was also impressed by the atmosphere at Besiktas’s stadium, especially during home games against Athletic Club (Bilbao) and Trabzonspor.
“The noise from the fans is incredible,” he said. “It’s very similar to what I experienced at Old Trafford. The passion is palpable, and the location overlooking the Bosphorus only adds to the magic.”
Facing challenges, long-term goals
While acknowledging that Besiktas is currently trailing behind their main rivals, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, Solskjaer emphasized the importance of building a team that can compete in the future.
“We need to find a style of play that allows us to dominate games and win consistently,” he said. “Our focus is on developing a long-term strategy for success.”
Reflections on his time at Manchester United
Reflecting on his time at Manchester United, Solskjaer was candid about his tenure, admitting that the last months were challenging.
However, he highlighted the achievements of his two full seasons, in which United finished second and third in the Premier League, despite the tough competition.
He also expressed pride in the continued success of former United players like Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire. “I’m happy to see them doing well,” he said.
Adjusting to life in Istanbul
Outside of football, Solskjaer is adapting to life in Istanbul. He enjoys maintaining a healthy lifestyle while savoring the city’s famous cuisine, particularly kebabs.
He also enjoys taking walks around the city, visiting landmarks like the Maiden Tower and the Grand Bazaar, though he tries to avoid the notorious traffic.
Bright future ahead at Besiktas
Solskjaer’s primary focus is on building a balanced squad and fostering a winning mentality. He stressed the importance of integrating young players alongside experienced professionals to ensure the club’s long-term success.
“I want to give young players a chance, but we also need a balanced squad,” he concluded. “We need results now, but we also have to plan for the future.”
As the team continues to develop under his leadership, Solskjaer remains dedicated to laying a strong foundation at Besiktas.
His emphasis on respect, unity, and quick, attacking football is starting to take shape, and the club looks poised to challenge for top honors in Turkish football in the years to come.
