ionigeria.com Nigerian Newspaper
Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has rejected the chance to take charge of the Norway women’s team.
Solskjaer has been without a job since being sacked by United in November 2021. The 50-year-old has previously been linked with vacancies at Burnley and Leicester, among other English sides, but is yet to find the right fit.
He has been biding his time and has now turned down the chance to manage the women’s side of his home nation. Norway parted company with Hege Riise on September 1 in slightly acrimonious circumstances following a disappointing performance at the Women’s World Cup and have since held talks with Solskjaer.
“Yes, I have spoken to the association about the job as national coach, of course I have,” Solskjaer told Norwegian outlet NRK. “They have asked. But I’m not ready for that yet.”
Riise was sacked after Norway were knocked out of the World Cup in the last-16 by Japan. The defeat was viewed as a failure for a hugely talented side and Riise, who managed Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, was openly criticised by her players.
“I feel like I’ve been stepped on for a year. I have not been shown respect,” Barcelona star Caroline Graham Hansen told Viaplay after being left out of Riise’s side to play Switzerland.
Riise was sacked by the Norwegian Football Federation, yet has been given a new role in the organisation. Yet despite the approach, it seems Solskjaer won’t be replacing her.
Speaking at ‘An Evening with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’ in May, the former United striker outlined his feelings on taking a new role. “I’ve got another job in me, if it’s the right chance and exciting enough,” he said.
