Besiktas have officially parted ways with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after their shocking exit from the UEFA Conference League play-offs. The Turkish giants were beaten 1-0 at home by Swiss side Lausanne-Sport on Thursday night, sealing their fate and leaving them without European football this season.

Solskjaer Dismissed After Eight Months in Charge

The defeat proved costly for Solskjaer, who was sacked just hours after the final whistle. Besiktas released a statement confirming the decision, saying:

> “Our contract with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been terminated following a decision made at the board meeting. Chairman Serdal Adali thanked Solskjaer for his services to date.”



The Norwegian coach, 52, had only been appointed eight months ago, returning to management for the first time since leaving Manchester United in November 2021.

Mixed Results in Turkey

Despite helping Besiktas finish fourth in the Turkish Super Lig last season and winning more than half of his 29 matches in charge, Solskjaer failed to deliver in Europe.

Earlier this summer, Besiktas missed out on the Europa League group stage via the play-offs.

Their Conference League elimination against Lausanne-Sport was the final blow.

The team did, however, open the new Super Lig campaign with a 2-1 win over Eyupspor.


Lausanne-Sport Shock Besiktas in Istanbul

The first leg of the tie ended 1-1 in Switzerland, leaving Besiktas favourites to progress at home. However, a goal from Nathan Butler-Oyedeji — a summer signing from Arsenal — gave Lausanne-Sport the lead just before half-time.

Things got worse immediately after the restart when Felix Uduokhai was shown a straight red card, leaving Besiktas with 10 men. Despite late changes from Solskjaer, the Turkish side could not break through, and Lausanne-Sport advanced to the Conference League group stage.

Star Names Fail to Deliver

Besiktas fielded several big-name signings, including:

Gabriel Paulista (ex-Arsenal)

Wilfred Ndidi (former Leicester City)

Joao Mario (ex-West Ham)

Tammy Abraham (former Chelsea striker)


But their experience wasn’t enough to overcome the Swiss side, who are owned by INEOS, part-owners of Manchester United