‘One of the best feelings I’ve ever had’ – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pours heart out in Besiktas speech
01/25/2025 07:19 AM
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said it was 'one of the best feelings' he has ever experienced as a coach after a 4-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao in his first game as Besiktas manager.
It was the Norwegian’s first game in the dugout in over three years, having waited a long time to take his next job following his 2021 departure from Manchester United.
Bilbao were predicted to be a high hurdle to clear considering they sit third on the Europa League table, 21 places above Besiktas who had previously won only two out of six matches.
The Turkish giants got off to a great start thanks to Milot Rashica who netted in the 17th minute with a lovely effort on the edge of the box.
Bilbao equalised just before half-time but the second-half was one of dominance from the former Man United head coach.
Besiktas replied with three more goals to push them into a play-off spot.
In the dressing room after the impressive win, Solskjaer spoke to his team and sounded emotional after a game that was a long-time coming for the 51-year-old.
He said: "That is teamwork, togetherness. That is a proper team. It was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had in my life as a coach.
"This is special. I know it's been difficult. Now we keep calm and go to the next one. But I got to say thank you and well done."
Besiktas, the 16-time Turkish Super Lig champions endured a rough time under former boss Serdar Topraktepe.
They currently sit sixth in the Super Lig table, a whopping 20 points adrift of current leaders Galatasaray.
But Solskjaer will be hoping to add to an already talented squad to help reduce the gap and turn Besiktas into challengers again.
The Istanbul giants have a few familiar faces, including former England, Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, ex-Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista and Portuguese ace Gedson Fernandes, who previously spent a season on loan at Tottenham.
They also boast former Lazio striker Ciro Immobile, who is still going strong at the age of 34 and is the club's top scorer this season with 14 goals.
"It’s great to be here, it’s very nice to see so many people care about this fantastic club," Solskjaer told members of the press outside Istanbul's Ataturk Airport.
"For me, I've had a very nice first meeting with the members of the board here and I’m really looking forward to this.
"It's fantastic to be in this beautiful city."
And with the transfer window open for nine more days Solskjaer, may recruit his desired players to lengthen his good start to life in Turkey.
As Man United sit 13th in the Premier League their fans may miss the Norwegian who earned them second in 2017/18.
Whatever he personally thinks of his time back at Old Trafford he will look forward to his pursuit of major silverware, something he is yet to attain as manager.
