Solskjaer assesses the work ahead of him in a pragmatic way. From a detached perspective, it seems many of the challenges he is facing are similar to those Ruben Amorim is experiencing at United.
To that end, a Europa League win could be crucial in buying Amorim time. It is something United came within a missed David de Gea penalty of achieving when Solskjaer’s team were beaten by Unai Emery’s Villarreal in the 2021 final.
“Everyone knows you need time to shape a team into what you want it to look like,” said Solskjaer.
“But you have to manage it the best you can, not as you wish it was. There are things I want my team to do that this one can’t. We have come into a difficult financial period because in the past the club has spent money, maybe not so wisely.”
I point out that is an observation I have heard about another club close to his heart. Solskjaer is about to answer but checks himself.
“Yes. But that’s, you know when you…….actually, I don’t have to say that,” he said.
“Look, recruitment is probably the most important thing in football.
“You need the structures right and you need to get the right people in.
“When you manage two, three, four or five different managers’ players, it is hard to make it balance into a team you want to see. Everyone knows you need continuity and patience to get success, but not too many get it.”
Solskjaer has not spoken to Mourinho since his arrival in Turkey and says he is looking forward to meeting him again.
I remind him of their spat in April 2021 – a week before Mourinho was sacked by Tottenham – when the Portuguese reacted badly to Solskjaer claiming Son Heung-min had cheated to ensure a United goal was disallowed.
“I would not feed my son if he behaved like that,” chided the Norwegian at the time. Mourinho’s response was classic: “Sonny is very lucky his father is a better person than Ole. As a father, you always have to feed your kids, even if you have to steal.”
“I remember that one,” shrugs Solskjaer. “You look after your own team.
“He has all the charisma of course and I don’t think any of us change a lot when we have come this far.
“It will be good to see him again and hopefully the headlines will be about the team and the football that is played and nothing else.”
Besiktas beat Galatasaray on 29 March but have won just once in four games since.
Solskjaer knows the atmosphere at the Sukru Saracoglu stadium will be white hot.
“I saw from Gala, when you are at home and winning these games there is nothing better,” he says.
“If you are at home and you don’t win, there is nothing worse.
“Football is decided by moments. You see last night [Thursday], Athletic had two or three massive chances and Victor saves one on the goal line. Then it all changes.
“The margins between winning and losing in football are so close. It is better to be lucky than good sometimes.
“Hopefully, it will be one of Jose’s bad nights.”
