22.01.2025 22:11
Beşiktaş's head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made statements after their first match, where they defeated Athletic Bilbao 4-1. Emphasizing confidence, Solskjaer said, "We explained that everyone needs each other. For one person to shine, we need to work hard as a team. My job is to help them understand what is important as football players."
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Beşiktaş Technical Director Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made statements after their 4-1 victory against Athletic Bilbao in the 7th week of the UEFA Europa League. Solskjaer recounted the speech he made to the players when he took over the team.
"I SAID I WANTED TO SEE A FIGHTING TEAM"
"We played in an incredible atmosphere today. Our players enjoyed it as well. I have been with the players for 2-3 days. I told them that I wanted to see a fighting team. I explained how we could create chances if we fought and the importance of team play. The 3 points were very important. With the match in the Netherlands, we will continue our journey in Europe. For a star to shine, the whole team needs to work together.
PRAISE FOR SVENSSON
We speak the same language as Jonas. I told him to trust himself. It was a good test for him as well. Everyone knows he is a fighter. I actually knew he had different qualities too. I spoke to him about that. Nico switching wings is a compliment for Jonas, but Nico is also one of the best players in the world.
"OUR PLAYERS FOUGHT FOR EACH OTHER"
We started very well. We got a great result. Our players fought for each other. The connection with the fans was one of the remarkable points. We showed that we are together. We achieved a good victory against a strong Bilbao.
"I ALREADY KNOW WE HAVE QUALITY"
We talked a lot about self-confidence. Football is about feeling good. If your teammate feels good, you feel good too. I already know we have quality. I can also say that we had great fans today. I wanted to play compactly in defense and play quickly. Our attacking players played excitingly. The back four was also very good. They did what we wanted. Everyone reflected what I wanted on the field. They showed how to play as a team. We talked a lot together, spent time with the players. I tried to explain to them what teamwork is. They are all good players. I explained to them how to play smart and fighting football, and they showed it today.
"I AM EAGERLY WAITING"
We will continue our efforts to dominate the games. We will work for a team that works harder and is more effective in attack. These will happen step by step. We took the first step. There will be more to come. There is a match against Antalyaspor, which will also be a good challenge for us. I am eagerly waiting to get to know the league better.
"FOOTBALL IS ACTUALLY ABOUT SELF-CONFIDENCE"
Football is actually about self-confidence. I tried to give them the feeling that "You try to play, you are good players, but the responsibility is on me." I wanted to give this to my players.
"IT WAS NOT A SURPRISE FOR ME"
- You achieved a victory with four goals. It could have been different. Were you surprised by this?
No, I was not surprised. We have quality. I said we need to instill self-confidence. Beşiktaş is a team that can achieve good scores in big matches this year. This result was not a surprise for me. I told the players to play with confidence. Now we should look to the next one. We saw a fighting team on the field. I want to give special mention to Jonas. Jonas stopped Williams, who is currently one of the best wingers in the world. I congratulate Jonas.
"MY PRIORITY IS THE PLAYERS WE HAVE"
Right now, the point I am focused on is the players I have. I want to increase their quality. We have Chamberlain with us. He has had an injury. Of course, reinforcements can be made, but my priority is to develop the players we have.
"THERE WAS AN INCREDIBLE ATMOSPHERE"
The last process was a bit challenging for our players. The fans had reactions because they did not see the team they wanted. We must also value Beşiktaş's club values. Beşiktaş's fans want to see a team that wins by playing fairly. They want a team that plays with honor and dignity and wins like that. This bond should continue like this. The atmosphere was incredible. There was a light show in England. There was an incredible, wonderful atmosphere today.
"EVERYONE DESERVED PRAISE TODAY"
- You said the sky is the limit. Did you see the sky today?
We cannot say we reached there. We will continue step by step. You need to constantly improve yourself.
- There have been separation news about many players in Beşiktaş. Do you have different preferences for players like Masuaku and Musrati after this match?
Today everyone deserved praise. Everyone played very well. My priority is to develop the players in the team, to benefit from everyone. If you control your emotions, you will make much better decisions.
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