Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spoke highly of the “incredible atmosphere” in his first game as Besiktas head coach in Wednesday’s 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao, Afrosport reports.
The former Manchester United boss was appointed by the Black Eagles after the dismissal of Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
It was Solskjaer’s first appointment since he was axed by November in 2021 and made a good first impression with Milot Rashica’s brace and further goals from Portuguese duo Rafa Silva and Joao Mario bringing Bilbao’s unbeaten run in this season’s Europa League.
Solskjaer was impressed by collective effort of his players which he wants to see them maintain.
“There was an incredible atmosphere today. The atmosphere in the stadium was great. My players also liked it,” the Norwegian told the club website.
“I have been with the team for a few days. I told my players what kind of team I want to see. We will fight, we will find positions. I told them about the importance of team play. Winning today was very important. We want to continue on our way by getting at least one point in Holland.
“Everyone in the team needs each other. I told my players about the importance of playing collectively. Everyone needs to run and fight. We saw a team fighting today. Our fans saw this game. The important thing is to continue like this.”
💪🦅#UEL https://t.co/1DzIJszU9o pic.twitter.com/962hMJALd5
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) January 22, 2025
Besiktas are in 18th place in the Europa League standings and will finish the league phase away at Twente next Thursday.
Solskjaer will get his first taste of the Turkish Super Lig when Besiktas travel to Antalyaspor on Sunday.
