Why Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Is The Man To Bring Smiles Back To Blackburn
Solskjaer took Norweigen club Molde from relegation fodder to their first league title, playing attractive football along the way. Here’s why he could be the perfect antidote to Steven Kean at Blackburn...
The imminent appointment of Solskjaer is exciting; the former Manchester United striker is a legend in the Premier League and one of the most likeable United players of all time. The ‘super sub’ was much more than that, capable of lethal finishing, link up play and even whipping in a cross when required to play on the wing. The ‘super sub’ tag wasn’t just luck however, if on the bench Solskjaer wouldn’t merely sit around with his feet up. He would analyse his opponents in great detail, see if the centre backs were switching off to runs behind them or looking shaky on the ball. It seems all this meticulous analysis has filtered its way into his managerial career, not only in his tactical formations but also in the man management of his players.
After taking over Manchester United’s reserve side in 2008 he won a few reserve cups and the reserve premier league and soon after was offered to coach the Norway national team, an offer which he declined due it not being the right time for him. He eventually returned to Norway to manage his former club Molde and in his first season in charge he led them to their first league title in their history. Ok the Tippeligaen isn’t the most prestigious league in Europe but Molde had only narrowly avoided relegation the season before Ole arrived and he’s averaged a 60% win ratio.
That’s the overview but what sort of football does he play? He likes the modern 4-3-3 as it incorporates his more clever players at Molde, the likes of Magne Hoseth and Magnus Eikrem. He also likes to incorporate his more powerful players in the case of Diouf and Agnan, this mix of pace, power and guile is one of the reasons he was successful at the club. The key though is more than likely his man management skills. Solskjaer has always been an endearing likeable character, now he has learnt from one of the best man managers in the world and adopted his techniques to suit his own laid back approach.
He’s also no stranger to winning at Ewood Park.
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COMMENTS
Would love to see him at Villa. I think he could be just the manager we need.
Blackburn Rovers have had an affinity with ex Man Utd players over the last decade or so, it is only Ince n Kidd who let them down, I hope, if it is OGS, he does well for my beloved Rovers, he cant do any worse than Kean did. Good luck OGS.