Talk about a quick exit! Just when you thought Ole Gunnar Solskjaer found his new home at Besiktas, a shocking European defeat has led to his brutal sacking. What went wrong so fast for the former Manchester United boss, and who do you think should step in next?

Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been abruptly dismissed from his role as head coach of Turkish club Besiktas, a decision swiftly announced following the club’s unexpected elimination from the UEFA Conference League qualifying rounds.

The Istanbul giants confirmed Solskjaer’s departure in a concise 39-word statement, marking an end to his brief tenure just months after his surprise appointment. This decisive action underscores the club’s immediate response to a disappointing start to their European campaign.

Besiktas’s exit from European competition was sealed after a shocking aggregate defeat to Ineos-owned Lausanne-Sport in the Conference League play-offs. The Turkish side, who were widely considered favorites, suffered a critical 1-0 home loss, leading to their premature and unexpected continental withdrawal.

The official statement, released on Thursday, confirmed, ‘Our contract with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been terminated following a decision made at the board meeting.’ Chairman Serdal Adalı reportedly extended his gratitude to Solskjaer for his services, acknowledging his brief but impactful presence.

Solskjaer, a revered Manchester United legend, had taken an extended break from management after his departure from Old Trafford following a European final defeat and a challenging start to a subsequent season. His move to Besiktas on a one-and-a-half-year deal, reportedly worth £3m, was seen as a fresh start for the Norwegian.

Despite the season barely commencing in the Turkish Super Lig, the European exit proved to be the pivotal factor in the managerial change. The club’s high expectations for continental participation were dashed, making Solskjaer’s position untenable given the immediate performance pressures.

Reports indicate that Besiktas officials had been evaluating Solskjaer’s future for weeks, even exploring potential replacements before the official announcement. Speculation is now rife regarding his successor, with former Premier League player Nuri Sahin emerging as a leading candidate for the Besiktas job, likely to be appointed during the upcoming international break.