“Our Contract with Solskjaer Has Been Terminated”: Besiktas Sack Coach After European Exit

Former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been sacked by Besiktas after the Turkish giants crashed out of the UEFA Conference League. The decision came following a 1-0 home defeat to Swiss side Lausanne in the second leg of their play-off, which saw Besiktas eliminated 2-1 on aggregate.

Why did Besiktas part ways with Solskjaer?

The club confirmed the news in an official statement: “Our contract with head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been terminated as a result of the decision made during the board meeting. Our president, Serdal Adali, expressed his gratitude to Solskjaer for his services.” The announcement followed an emergency meeting immediately after the loss in Istanbul.

The 52-year-old Norwegian had only been appointed in January, returning to management after a three-year break. However, expectations were high, and results quickly turned sour. Before the Lausanne defeat, Solskjaer’s side had already been knocked out of the Europa League by Shakhtar Donetsk in July, fueling pressure on his role.

How did Solskjaer’s career lead to this point?

Solskjaer began his coaching career with Manchester United’s reserves before taking charge at Molde in Norway. His biggest break came in December 2019 when he was named interim manager of Manchester United. After impressing in his first months, he secured the job permanently, leading the team to a runners-up finish in the 2020/21 Premier League season. Despite that success, he was dismissed by United in November 2021.

The Istanbul club now faces the challenge of regrouping after a disappointing European campaign and a fourth-placed league finish last season. Fans are eager to see who will replace Solskjaer as the team looks to restore its domestic and continental ambitions.

By Yockshard Enyendi