Following his departure from Manchester United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has accepted a new position with UEFA
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the former Manchester United manager, will begin a new post as a UEFA technical observer on Wednesday after turning down management positions in Saudi Arabia.
Solskjaer left United in 2021 following a slump in form that concluded in a 4-1 defeat to Watford at Vicarage Road. Since leaving Old Trafford, the Norwegian’s football career has been limited to youth coaching in his homeland.
However, in an interview with The Athletic, Solskjaer disclosed that he begins a new post with the governing body of European football today. “I’m doing a lot of coaching [in Norway], four times per week, and we have three teams.
“I’m helping the kids, who enjoy it. You see a different side to football, the grassroots – except it’s all plastic pitches here. You see the brightness in their eyes, they listen to you, and they want to learn.
“My role with UEFA means watching Champions League matches in person. I can watch teams from a different perspective than being a manager: Analyse them, solve problems, see how both teams will try to hurt each other.”
While Solskjaer acknowledges he enjoys teaching at the youth level, he misses the buzz of professional management and has disclosed he has received employment offers from the Middle East.
“I’ve had offers. Most recently, two from Saudi Arabia. My best mate, who is also my agent, sifts through them,” he added. “If you’ve managed Man United, you put your own criteria about what you want to work with. I love England and the Premier League. Even the Championship feels stronger than ever, but I don’t feel bound to England. Maybe a different challenge where I need to experience a new culture and learn a new language.
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“The DNA and identity of the club are important, a club where I can be the best me. It has to be a match. Maybe I made the wrong decision to go to Cardiff, for example, where there was a clash of identities and styles.
“What I miss most is working with good people, coming in every day, discussing football, and putting a plan together for the next game. It’s not just about formations, but creating a culture where the staff enjoy their job and building a team together.”
