Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left a significant impression on Turkish media following what can be considered the most crucial match of the season for his Besiktas team. Initially, there was considerable skepticism regarding his appointment as the manager of the Turkish Super Lig club. He had been without a position since concluding his time at Manchester United in 2021, until Besiktas chose to bring him on board in early 2025.
This decision proved to be a wise one, as Solskjaer achieved the best points-per-game record at the club since 1950 after just nine matches in charge. His tenure in Turkey began exceptionally well, and he quickly silenced his critics as his team positioned itself for a chance at European competition. Supporters embraced his leadership and expressed their admiration for his approach.
However, challenges arose when his team suffered three consecutive defeats in March. The situation appeared to worsen as they faced their fierce rivals, Galatasaray, who are currently leading the Turkish Super Lig. Against all expectations, Besiktas secured a victory, largely attributed to a brilliant tactical adjustment made by the former Cardiff City manager.
Solskjaer’s Tactical Change Beat Galatasaray
He decided to play six midfielders and no forwards
Facing a team like Galatasaray after suffering three consecutive defeats, Solskjaer recognized the need for a unique strategy to secure a positive result, and he delivered just that. The former United player chose to implement a 4-6-0 formation, utilizing six midfielders without any forwards against the league leaders, which proved to be highly effective.
Even with Ciro Immobile available, Solskjaer decided to forgo traditional strikers, a choice that yielded significant success against Galatasaray. Besiktas triumphed over their fierce rivals with a score of 2-1, thanks to goals from Rafa Silva and Gedson Fernandes. Galatasaray faced a setback in the first half when Przemysław Frankowski received a red card in the 36th minute. Nonetheless, it was a remarkable victory for Solskjaer’s team, earning him considerable acclaim from the media for his tactical brilliance.
The Turkish Media are Impressed
They’ve been singing Solskjaer’s praises
Early in Solskjaer’s tenure at Besiktas, the Turkish media were effusive in their praise for the Norwegian. After picking up seven wins in his first nine matches, Turkish football expert Lara Karacan had this to say about his impact at Besiktas, via Transfermarkt:
“Solskjaer has implemented a fast, attacking style of play and revitalized the team after multiple managerial changes, as demonstrated in the 4-1 Europa League win over Athletic Bilbao. He has tackled issues like the lack of a scouting department and strengthened analysis by bringing in experts like Tom Green. Additionally, the club’s owners are now paying their players’ salaries, which was not always the case under Van Bronckhorst —an indirect but positive effect for Solskjær.”
Following three consecutive defeats, the accolades for the manager diminished somewhat; however, the media quickly resumed their praise after Besiktas’ triumph over Galatasaray, attributing significant credit to him for the outcome.
The Turkish outlet Duhuliye acknowledged his contribution to the victory, stating: “Ole’s strategy proved effective. We must commend Ole for this. It was a prudent decision to keep Immobile and Semih on the bench while initiating the match with a 4-6-0 formation.”
The win was also discussed on Turkish television’s D-Smart, where analysts remarked: “Through Solskjær’s assessment of Galatasaray, he pinpointed the weaknesses of his opponent and leveraged his team’s strengths to outmaneuver Okan Buruk.”
Turkish coach Onder Ozen also expressed positive sentiments regarding the result. Commenting on Solskjaer’s tactical choices, he remarked: “Solskjaer made an astute decision by positioning Rafa Silva in the forward role. It was an entirely correct approach.”
Numerous media outlets continued to commend Solskjaer as well. The Turkish site Skorer asserted that Besiktas rightfully earned their victory over the Super Lig leaders, emphasizing the manager’s role in the success: “Beşiktaş deserved to win in every aspect. Rafa Silva performed exceptionally well, supported by Joao Mario. The Black Eagles functioned effectively as a unit. Undoubtedly, the mastermind behind this achievement is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who conducted thorough preparations.”
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