28.02.2025 18:00
Beşiktaş's head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer explained his reasons for choosing the black-and-whites. Stating that he received at least 40 offers, Solskjaer said, "I spoke with them twice before, six months ago and a year ago. This time, I had a conversation with Serdal Adalı. The way he talked about bringing Beşiktaş back with its values and respect was different. Human values like never giving up and always fighting..."
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Beşiktaş's Norwegian head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made striking statements to the English press outlet The Athletic regarding his arrival process at the black-and-white club.
"LIKE WHEN I CAME TO UNITED"
- It's been a few months since you arrived in Istanbul, what has your experience been like so far?
"It hasn't been a few months, it's been five weeks. During this time, we have experienced many changes. The situation here was worse than I thought; we can say it was a bit like when I came to Manchester United. The players were demoralized and probably thought, 'Here we go again, another coach, another change.' There have been different coaches and presidents. I understand that the changes are difficult for the players. But three days later, we beat Bilbao (4-1 in the Europa League) and that made a difference.
"I RECEIVED 40 OFFERS"
- I heard that you weren't in demand and didn't receive any job offers.
I received many job offers, but it had to be the right opportunity.
At least 40. But they weren't the right ones; I needed to be in a job I believed in. I am a human; I utilize the human capital around me.
"WHY DID YOU CHOOSE BEŞİKTAŞ?"
A great club in a wonderful city with a great history. But I had spoken with them twice before, six months ago and a year ago. This time we spoke with Serdal Adalı. The way he talked about bringing Beşiktaş back with its values and respect was different. Human values like never giving up, always fighting... And they want fast, attacking football.
"MY DAUGHTER SAID, 'THIS IS THE RIGHT CLUB FOR YOU, DAD'"
The one calling is my wife, and she is more important than you... But she can wait a few minutes. My family stayed in Norway. My two oldest children are 24 and 22 years old, they are football players, and I miss watching their matches, but I try to watch as many games as possible. The second part; my daughter. She was born on 03/03/03. 2003. Beşiktaş was founded on 03/03/03. 1903. My daughter saw this and said, "This is the right club for you, dad."
STATEMENTS ABOUT FENERBAHÇE AND GALATASARAY
- Why are you so far behind Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray?
I don't want to think too much about Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray. We need to do things our way, in a different manner. My way is the president's way. But we didn't panic during the transfer period. We need to think long-term and acquire the right players for the right value and money. We don't have crazy money to spend and waste.
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