“When I got sacked, I know it wasn’t my fault. There are a lot of issues and player’s inisde the club that affected me badly and its now affecting Erik Ten Hag. The same players are still there. “-Ole Gunnar Solskjær addresses Erik ten Hag’s PR problem at Man United and ‘dangerous’ change

Former Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, recently shed light on the challenges facing the club, particularly in communication with players, which have persisted under current manager Erik ten Hag. Solskjær, a revered figure at Old Trafford both as a player and a manager, reflected on the changes he observed during his tenure, spanning three years.

During his time as a player, Solskjær enjoyed a direct line of communication with the club hierarchy, epitomized by the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson’s personal approach. However, in the modern football landscape, the advent of PR agencies has complicated this direct interaction. Solskjær lamented the necessity of navigating through intermediaries to connect with players, citing it as a departure from the organic dialogue he once experienced.

This shift in communication dynamics became evident in instances such as the Jadon Sancho saga, where miscommunication, exacerbated by the involvement of PR agencies, led to the player’s temporary departure to Borussia Dortmund. Solskjær’s remarks underscored the importance of interpersonal connections in fostering trust and collaboration within a football team.

Beyond communication challenges, Solskjær also touched upon broader trends in football coaching, expressing reservations about the increasing rigidity in tactical instruction. He cautioned against overly prescriptive coaching methods, advocating for a balance between structured frameworks and player autonomy.

In Solskjær’s view, footballers should not merely execute a manager’s directives but should also possess the freedom to make decisions on the pitch, drawing upon their creativity and intuition. He warned against stifling player creativity from a young age, emphasizing the importance of nurturing decision-making skills and adaptability.

For Solskjær, the essence of football lies in the spontaneity and ingenuity displayed by players, rather than rigid adherence to predefined roles and instructions. He championed a coaching philosophy that empowers players to think independently and take ownership of their actions, believing it to be essential for success on the pitch.