Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is sacked after the former Manchester United manager sees Besiktas crash out of Conference League qualifying

Fenerbahce v Besiktas - Turkish Super League

Former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been relieved of his duties as Besiktas manager after the Turkish Super Lig giants crashed out of the Conference League play-offs. The Norwegian coach, who joined Besiktas in January this year, arrived on a one-and-a-half year deal but lasted only eight months in the role.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Turkish giants Besiktas have confirmed the departure of head coach Solskjaer just eight months after the Norwegian joined the club. The decision was taken by the club's board following their exit from the Conference League play-off round. Besiktas lost the second leg of the tie 1-0 at home on Thursday as Lausanne qualified for the league phase, winning the fixture 2-1 on aggregate.

St Patrick's v Besiktas - UEFA Conference League Second Qualifying Round Second Leg

WHAT BESIKTAS SAID

The official statement from the Turkish club read: "Our contract with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been terminated following a decision made at the board meeting. Following the meeting, our chairman, Serdal Adalı, thanked Solskjaer for his services to date. We respectfully present this for the public's information."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Besiktas was Solskjaer's first managerial job since he left United's head coach position in 2021. After joining the Turkish club, the 52-year-old guided them to a fourth-place finish in the Super Lig. The club started the 2025-26 league campaign with a 2-1 win over Eyupspor, but things went south after the clash on August 18 as they first drew against Lausanne before losing the home tie.

Besiktas v St Patricks - UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Third Qualifying Round Second Leg

WHAT NEXT FOR BESIKTAS?

Besiktas are yet to announce Solskjaer's replacement and will next be seen in action in the Turkish league on Sunday against Alanyaspor.