Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals FAI approached him over Ireland job
James Cox
Besiktas manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed he was approached by the FAI over the Republic of Ireland managerial role.
During the lengthy search to replace Stephen Kenny, the former Manchester United boss emerged as a shock target.
Icelandic manager Heimir Hallgrímsson ultimately got the job, and Solskjaer returned to management with Turkish side Besiktas.
Solskjaer's side will face Kenny's St Patrick's Athletic in a Uefa Conference League qualifier at Tallaght Stadium with a 7.45pm kick-off on Thursday evening.
“We had some good conversations, but in the end it did not turn out that way," Solskjaer said. “I am very happy where I am now.”
When reporters asked Solskjaer for more details on his talks with the FAI, he replied: "That was confidential."
Solskjaer's Turkish translator asked Solskjaer who Stephen Kenny is.
“Stephen Kenny is the coach of St Patrick’s,” Solskjaer replied. “He was the coach of Ireland before and, after him, the Irish FA asked me if I wanted to be their coach.”
Besiktas have had a difficult start to the season in Turkey, but Solskjaer shrugged off the pressure.
“Pressure is a privilege — something we thrive on underneath,” he said.
"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."
Solskjaer was full of praise for St Pat's striker Mason Melia, and said Tottenham had made a "good signing" with the 17-year-old, who will move to London in January.
“When you perform at this level at 17, definitely. You see a mature finisher. His movement, the goal he scored against Waterford, the way he spun off the centre back, the way he timed his run, of course.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on him. I always follow the young players when I see them early in their careers. There are a few decent players I played with from Ireland so I have a fond eye for Irish players.”