Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Confirms FAI Approach for Ireland Manager Role

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, currently managing Turkish club Besiktas, confirmed he was approached by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to succeed Stephen Kenny as the Republic of Ireland manager during their extended 231-day search in 2024. Despite having "some good conversations" with the FAI, Solskjaer declined the role and expressed satisfaction with his current position. The vacancy was eventually filled by Heimir Hallgrimsson, who now leads Ireland into World Cup qualification. Ahead of Besiktas' UEFA Conference League clash with Kenny's St Patrick's Athletic, Solskjaer acknowledged the challenge posed by the Irish club and praised their emerging talent, cautioning against underestimating them. He also addressed pressures surrounding his current role at Besiktas, emphasizing character and resilience amid mixed results. Reports linking Roberto Mancini to replace Solskjaer at Besiktas add to the scrutiny he faces ahead of the tie.