Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Cardiff City hire former Man Utd striker as boss
By Gadiola Emanuel - 6:37:00 AM
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been appointed Cardiff City's new manager.
The 40-year-old former Manchester United striker has agreed a 12-month rolling contract with the Bluebirds.
Solskjaer met his new squad at the club's training ground on
Thursday. He joins from Molde - whom he led to two Norwegian league
titles and a cup - and
replaces the sacked Malky Mackay.
"It is a fantastic challenge. Cardiff are ready to take the next step up. I hope I can help them," he said.
"I've always dreamt of being a manager in the Premier League and I'm delighted to get the opportunity.
"I am really looking forward to convincing the Cardiff fans that I am the right man to take them forward.
"I will try to convince the fans with my hard work, loyalty and my brand of football. I'm a very positive manager."
Cardiff, who were
beaten 2-0 by Premier League leaders Arsenal
on Wednesday, are 17th in the table and only one point clear of the relegation zone.
Solskjaer's first game in charge will be against Newcastle in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
The Norwegian
will be given significant funds
by owner Vincent Tan to spend on new signings in the current transfer window.
He dismissed speculation that he would find it difficult working for an owner
who reportedly meddled in team affairs
during Mackay's reign.
Solskjaer added: "He wants the club to be successful. I
had a good meeting with him. Communication and dialogue will be key.
"Everything isn't exactly what it seems from the outside."
The Norwegian will return to Old Trafford on 28 January
with his new club 10 days after playing Manchester City at Etihad
Stadium.
"We've got some of the toughest trips in world football
coming up this month. They're games we'll relish and look forward to."
He rejected reports his former United boss Sir Alex
Ferguson had told him to turn down the chance to become Cardiff's third
manager in 32 months.
"That is absolute nonsense," said Solskjaer. "He has
wished me the best and given me some good advice as he always does. I
had a good conversation with him."
Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman insisted the Norwegian was the club's only target.
He said: "There was only one name in my head from the very beginning. We're delighted to welcome Ole.
"I've seen Ole play for many, many years. I like his style of football and his ideas on the game."
Former Manchester United and Sheffield United midfielder Mark Dempsey will work as his assistant - just as he did at Molde.
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