Besiktas Sacks Ole Gunnar Solskjaer After Conference League Exit

Besiktas has officially terminated the contract of head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, just hours after a disappointing exit from European competition. The Turkish club was eliminated from the Conference League following a 1-0 home defeat to Switzerland’s Lausanne-Sport on Thursday, August 31, 2023. This loss sealed Besiktas’ absence from any European tournaments this season, as they had also failed to qualify for the Europa League.

Solskjaer’s tenure lasted eight months, during which he managed to win over half of the 29 matches he oversaw, leading the team to a fourth-place finish in the Turkish Super Lig last season. Despite a promising start with a 2-1 victory against Eyupspor in their league opener, the club’s recent performance left much to be desired.

In a statement released by the club, chairman Serdal Adali expressed gratitude for Solskjaer’s contributions, stating, “Our contract with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been terminated following a decision made at the board meeting.” The announcement highlights the immediate consequences of the team’s failure to advance in the European competition.

The match against Lausanne-Sport marked a turning point for the club. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, expectations were high for the return fixture in Istanbul. The home team featured notable players, including former Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista, and recent signings such as Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester and Tammy Abraham, the ex-Chelsea striker.

The game took a dramatic turn when Nathan Butler-Oyedeji scored for Lausanne-Sport just before half-time. Things worsened for Besiktas shortly after the break, as Felix Uduokhai received a straight red card, leaving the team to battle with ten men. Despite Solskjaer’s tactical changes, Lausanne-Sport maintained their lead, securing their place in the Conference League.

Solskjaer’s management came under scrutiny following a prior defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk during the Europa League qualification play-offs, which raised questions about the team’s direction under his leadership.

Looking ahead, Nuri Sahin, a former player for clubs including Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, has been mentioned as a potential successor. Additionally, Solskjaer has been considered a candidate for the managerial role with the Norwegian national team, which could provide him an avenue for a swift return to management. Current Norway manager Stale Solbakken, a friend of Solskjaer, has indicated his intention to step down following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup campaign.

The swift dismissal of Solskjaer reflects the high expectations placed on Besiktas, as they seek to regain competitive stature both domestically and on the European stage.