Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: It is important to sustain our desire to play throughout the entire season

Facing St. Patrick’s in the second leg of the UEFA Conference League third qualifying round, Beşiktaş defeated their opponent 3-2 to advance to the play-off round. The Black and Whites' Norwegian manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, said, "Actually, we made the game difficult for ourselves. We gave away an easy penalty at the beginning of the match and fell behind. The goal we conceded afterward was also simple. We knew our opponent would play a tight defensive game. We made changes at halftime and shifted the balance of the game. We maintained possession. We could have created many more opportunities. It is always difficult to play against such teams."

Stating that they do not yet have a group of players capable of constant high pressing, Solskjaer said, "Tactically, our ability to press high depends on the player group. Today we started by pressing high and conceded goals during those minutes. We needed to play with more pressure and intensity. While doing this, we must not concede goals. Every manager wants a Virgil van Dijk in their defense. We have to improve this. We need to give our opponents fewer scoring chances. On the other hand, we have a difficult and long schedule. We will play 34 matches in the league alone. We cannot play by constantly pressing high in every single match."

"IT IS IMPORTANT TO SUSTAIN IT THROUGHOUT THE SEASON"

Expressing that they are building a style of play to be sustained throughout the season, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said, "I hope we can put on a better performance for our fans on Sunday. We have scored 9 goals and conceded 9 in the 4 matches we have played. If we want to be champions, we need to concede fewer goals. We are still at the beginning of the season. We are preparing our team for the entire season. We are aware that my players looked tired today. The heavy training sessions we have done during this period are the reason for this. But I think it is more important to start the season slower and sustain our desire to play throughout the entire season rather than starting fast and fading later. Our team will rest for two days and then we will continue our preparations. Our pre-season camp was not very long. The important thing is that we can load the players well."

Speaking about Al-Musrati, the Norwegian manager said, "Today we used our midfield options in favor of other players, and that is why Al-Musrati was not in the squad. As far as I know, he was ill and could not even come with us to Ireland last week. Other than that, we are even forbidden from shaking hands to protect our players because we are worried about an outbreak at the facility. We greet each other with fist bumps at the facilities."

"I DO NOT THINK MY BOND WITH THE FANS HAS WEAKENED"

Evaluating the reaction of the Black and White fans to the game in the first half, Solskjaer said, "I do not think my bond with the fans has weakened. I am in constant contact with many of them. I receive positive energy. Beşiktaş is a big community. When we arrived, they were below the rankings they should be in. We took over a team that has had difficult days and has not achieved success in recent years. We want to move this team to higher positions. We are trying to build the infrastructure for this. I know it is difficult to constantly attack and press, but we have to achieve this."

Stating that in difficult times, there is a need for players who can remain mentally strong in addition to talented players, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer concluded his words by saying, "Pressure is important to become a better team. Our players should also be more open to criticism. Our experienced players need to overcome this. Yes, we may be going through difficult times. Expectation is something that makes you feel alive. We need to constantly improve ourselves until praise replaces criticism. Talent is important in football, but we also need to improve ourselves mentally."