‘The FAI asked me if I wanted to be their coach’

The former Manchester United boss leads Turkish side Besiktas into battle with St Patrick’s Athletic in Thursday’s Conference League clash but may have succeeded his counterpart Stephen Kenny in the Ireland hotseat.

Despite downplaying reports of links during the arduous 231-day FAI search to fill the vacancy, Solskjær has provided an enlightening insight about how close he came to being appointed before Heimir Hallgrímsson landed the post.

Solskjær was unemployed from the time his three-year spell at United ended in 2021 to accepting the role in Turkey last March.

Asked by the Irish Examiner if he might have been Kenny’s successor, he replied: “The FAI asked me if I wanted to be their coach.

“We I had some good conversations but in the end it didn’t turn out that way. I am very happy where I am now.” 

When it was put to if he or the FAI ended the possibility of exploring international management, he was non-committal.

“That would be confidential but we had some good chats.”

It’s not overstating to foresee Solskjær returning to the jobs market if side are scalped by the Saints over the two legs.

He’s already facing pressure after a sluggish start to the season and the notion of being dumped out by the Irish side will be anathema to their loyal hardcore.

Solskjær takes a selfie with a fan. Picture: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Solskjær has experience of Irish competition, his Norwegian side Molde overcoming Sligo Rovers in the 2013 Champions League, but he’s cautioning the expectant Turks about the challenge looming against the Dubliners.

“Pressure is a privilege — something we thrive on underneath,” he explained about their current plight.

“When results go against you, you don’t enjoy that period but it’s a chance to show character, show individual character.

“Football is a bumpy road and you have to manoeuvre and accept it. If you don’t results, there will be criticism and If you win every day you are still not perfect.

“If people think we think we are better than St Pat’s, they’re wrong. Last year, they got to the playoffs and I’m sure they want to go one step further.

“I wouldn’t call anything a free hit in football anymore.” The man known as the baby-faced assassin from his playing days recognises pedigree in Mason Melia, the teen striker he branded a ‘good signing’ for Tottenham at €1.9m.

“We saw his movement for his goal against Waterford at the weekend” he said of his scouting duties.

“He spun the centre back and timed his run. He’s a proper No. 9, he can play off the shoulder, can come short too and is a good finisher as well.

“He’s got the world ahead of him and I wish him all the best — after our two games against them finish in eight days from now.” 

Saints must move to Tallaght due to the limitations of their Richmond Park home but are anticipating most of the 8,500 seats to be occupied. The full away allocation of 500 was taken up by Besiktas.