Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s Besiktas suffered a crushing 1-3 Turkish Cup quarter-final exit to Göztepe, collapsing after Tayyip Sanuç’s 36th-minute red card for a last-man foul on Romulo. The Brazilian striker capitalised immediately, curling a 16-metre free-kick past Ersin Destanoğlu before completing his hat-trick with a penalty and a lobbed finish in the chaotic final 15 minutes.
The defeat starkly contrasted Besiktas’ recent derby heroics, where Solskjær became the first non-Turkish manager in 14 years to defeat Galatasaray, ending their 314-day unbeaten league run with a 2-1 victory. However, defensive vulnerabilities resurfaced as Arthur Masuaku’s handball gifted Göztepe their decisive penalty and a communication breakdown between centre-backs allowed Romulo to seal his treble.
Despite the cup disappointment, Solskjær’s overall impact since his January 2025 appointment remains transformative. The Norwegian has delivered eight wins in 12 matches, reviving Besiktas’ European qualification hopes with an aggressive, fast-paced style. His 75% win ratio surpasses his predecessors’ 44.9%, while the team averages 2.5 points per league game compared to 1.63 pre-appointment.
Appointed on an 18-month deal, Solskjær has stabilised a club plagued by financial disputes and managerial turnover. His emphasis on “human values” and attacking football has re-energised players and fans alike, evidenced by viral tributes dubbing him a “Viking conqueror” after the Galatasaray triumph.
While the cup exit intensifies scrutiny, Solskjær’s rebuilding project shows promise. As he navigates Besiktas’ push for Europa League qualification, balancing consistency with high-stakes expectations remains his defining challenge.
Solskjær’s management has been markedly positive since his January appointment. His early success underscores a revival built on tactical pragmatism and renewed squad morale, positioning him strongly despite recent setbacks
