Ole Gunnar Solskjaer injected optimism and new energy into players and supporters from day one on the job as a Besiktas player. An impressive win against La Ligas when 3rd best club in the Europa League was the start, then several wins in a row in the Süper Lig. The month of March has nevertheless proven to be extremely tough for Besiktas. Words such as “catastrophe!” were used, when Besiktas first lost at home, then away, where the relegation candidate finished the match with nine players. On Sunday, the cloud cover settled closer over Besiktas.
Then Istanulspor played their way to a 1-3 win at Besiktas, this after a 1-1 result until five minutes remained on the game clock. Fortunately, this was only a friendly match, but still three losses in a row for Solskjaer and Besiktas.
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Although supporters and pundits are directing criticism at awkward Besiktas players, Solskjaer will also feel the temperature rising. On Saturday, league leader Galatasaray will also take the bus to Besiktas’ home ground. Victor Osimhen, Morata and the Gala players have unhooked Fenerbahce and Mourinho in the title race, and not only do they seem unbeatable, they haven’t lost a single time in 27 games.
At the same time, the streets of Istanbul are boiling, where large crowds are gathering to protest against the current regime.
In the middle of this pressure cooker is Solskjaer.
There is little to suggest that Besiktas will be able to stop Galatasaray this weekend, but we think this one-off game against the undisputed number one in Turkey is made for Solskjaer. If Besiktas win this game, it means three very important points in the fight for 3rd place (or keep 4th place).
More importantly, it shows that a Besiktas, who haven’t kept up with Galatasaray in the transfer market, still have a chance to beat their arch-rivals – with Solskjaer at the helm.
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