– I am happy to enter into a conversation – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule

– I am a proud Norwegian. If the question comes up, when Ståle (Solbakken) finds out that he doesn’t want it anymore, I’m happy to enter into a conversation. That’s what Ole Gunnar Solskjær says from the stage during the Oslo Business Forum on Thursday afternoon, when the soon-to-be vacant Norwegian national team coaching position became a topic. The former Molde and Manchester United manager was invited to the business conference to talk about his leadership skills. – I am very proud of where I come from, he adds. Solskjær tells news that there is still a job or two left in him. – It just has to be the right job and I depend on working with the right people, he says. Before the previous national team meeting, Ståle Solbakken made it clear that the current qualification for the WC in 2026 will be his last. Ole Gunnar Solskjær on stage during the Oslo Business Forum. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB Since then, potential replacements have been frequently discussed. But one name has appeared very often: Ole Gunnar Solskjær. – It might be a good idea to have a chat with Ole Gunnar. I think he would have been an ideal replacement for Ståle with the experience he has gained, said news expert and Iceland manager Åge Hareide earlier in September. Secretary General of the NFF Karl-Petter Løken tells news that their focus is now on qualifying for the WC in 2026 and Ståle Solbakken, who will lead the team there. – That is our focus now, so it is of course nice that Ole Gunnar and other coaches see the job as Norwegian national team manager as attractive, says Løken. Åge Hareide and Ole Gunnar Solskjær have lived a long coaching life together. Here, the former receives Kniksen’s honorary award. Photo: Torstein Bøe / NTB scanpix – Good at bringing out the best Kristoffer Løkberg agrees with the 71-year-old. – Right now, I think Solskjær is the one at the top of the list, with the experience he has. I also think he showed an ability at Manchester United to bring out the best in individual matches that on paper looked very tough, said Viking player Løkberg. Ole Gunnar Solskjær has not coached a team since he was fired from Manchester United in November 2021. – In the last three years, I have learned a lot about myself. I have traveled around with UEFA and attended a number of lectures and courses. I still want to get what I can out of a job, in a club or on a national team, says Solskjær to news. He has since been linked to a number of coaching jobs abroad, including as club coach with Sevilla and Besiktas, and as national team coach for Sweden. Ole Gunnar Solskjær experienced ups and downs as Manchester United manager. Here he celebrates a victory. Photo: Reuters Opener for United Solskjær was also asked if a comeback at Manchester United could be relevant. He was also open to that. – If your family needs you, then of course they will help. I would say “yes” any day of the week. It feels wrong to sit and talk about jobs that other people have. But of course, yes. I would have said yes, says Solskjær. Published 26/09/2024, at 15.51 Updated 26.09.2024, at 17.14



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