Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed his return to football after nearly two years out of the game in an interview with The Athletic.
The 50-year-old has enjoyed time outside of the spotlight since being sacked as Manchester United boss in November of 2021, though he has been linked to several returns to management in that time.
Earlier this month he told Norwegian media that he had turned down the opportunity to take over from Hege Riise as the Norway women’s team manager, as he was ‘not ready’.
However the six-time Premier League winner has since revealed that he has undertaken a new role as UEFA technical observer that will see him attending Champions League fixtures and providing reports throughout this season.
‘I’m doing a lot of coaching, four times per week, and we have three teams. I’m helping the kids, who enjoy it.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed his return to football after being sacked by Manchester United in 2021
The 50-year-old has taken a role as a technical observer for UEFA, travelling to Champions League fixtures and providing reports
‘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, they want to learn.
‘But you start to miss it [professional football] when you see the games, either in person or on television. Since I left United, I’ve travelled around as a fan with my kids, going to places like Napoli, Milan and Dortmund to experience games. We loved it.
‘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.’
Solskjaer added that while he has received multiple offers for a return to the dugout, including two from the Saudi Pro League, he is holding out for the right one, insisting that the ‘identity’ of a club is important to him.
‘I’ve had offers. Most recently, two from Saudi Arabia. My best mate, who is also my agent, sifts through them. If you’ve managed Man United, you put your own criteria about what you want to work with.’ He continued.
Solskjaer revealed that he had turned down multiple opportunities to join former Man United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League
‘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.
‘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.’
