\n<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“Everyone knows you need time to shape a team into what you want it to look like,” said Solskjaer.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“Yes. But that’s, you know when you\u2026\u2026.actually, I don’t have to say that,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Look, recruitment is probably the most important thing in football.<\/p>\n
“You need the structures right and you need to get the right people in.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Solskjaer has not spoken to Mourinho since his arrival in Turkey and says he is looking forward to meeting him again.<\/p>\n
I remind him of their spat in April 2021 \u2013 a week before Mourinho was sacked by Tottenham \u2013 when the Portuguese reacted badly to Solskjaer claiming Son Heung-min had cheated to ensure a United goal was disallowed.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
“I remember that one,” shrugs Solskjaer. “You look after your own team.<\/p>\n
“He has all the charisma of course and I don’t think any of us change a lot when we have come this far.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Besiktas beat Galatasaray on 29 March but have won just once in four games since.<\/p>\n
Solskjaer knows the atmosphere at the Sukru Saracoglu stadium will be white hot.<\/p>\n
“I saw from Gala, when you are at home and winning these games there is nothing better,” he says.<\/p>\n
“If you are at home and you don’t win, there is nothing worse.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“The margins between winning and losing in football are so close. It is better to be lucky than good sometimes.<\/p>\n
“Hopefully, it will be one of Jose’s bad nights.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n