' Why Solskjaer needs help next season '

Why Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs help to to turn stuttering Cardiff City into Championship promotion chasers - Paul Abbandonato

Thursday May 08th 2014.
BY PAUL ABBANDONATO

Head of sport, Paul Abbandonato, says he believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in need of help at Cardiff City next season


When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was named Cardiff City boss, I was among the thousands enthused by the appointment of a man with a reputation as one of the brightest young managers in European football.

Bluebirds chairman Mehmet Dalman had succeeded where Aston Villa, West Brom and clubs on the continent had failed in persuading the Manchester United legend to leave his Norwegian homeland and come to South Wales.

Soon to be gone was the negative football under Malky Mackay, where Cardiff struggled to score other than from a set-piece.

In its place we were to see some swashbuckling soccer, with Solskjaer talking boldly about plans to “do a Southampton” and eventually get the Bluebirds into the top 10.

My fear, moving forward, is whether the current management regime can get Cardiff into the Championship top 10 next season, let alone the upper half of the Premier League.

To say Ole has been a desperate disappointment as Bluebirds manager is Welsh football’s under-statement of the season.

Look, for the record, I don’t believe Cardiff would have been any better off had Mackay been kept in charge. It was only a matter of time, in my view, before the lack of goals under the previous regime, coupled with the daunting sequence of January away fixtures at Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United, led to the Bluebirds dipping to the foot of the table.

Once there, it was always going to be an enormous challenge to get out of trouble.

While Solskjaer has overseen some abject displays, Mackay had his moments too... Southampton (0-3), Crystal Palace (0-2), Aston Villa (0-2). Even in somehow clinging onto a 0-0 stalemate at Norwich, the battered Bluebirds made the Canaries - who had a Premier League record number of attempts on goal - look Arsenal-like for 90 minutes.

Lots of City fans will disagree (football is about differing opinions) but rightly or wrongly the club hierarchy saw rationale in changing manager.


But the new spark, impetus and change in fortune expected under Solskjaer simply never materialised.

If anything Cardiff got worse. And then worse again, when we thought that rock bottom had already been struck.

A number of mystifying team selections culminated with Solskjaer’s decision to play Aron Gunnarsson as the creative force just behind Fraizer Campbell at Newcastle.

Gunnarsson has many qualities, but opening up defences with his back to goal isn’t one of them. Solskjaer could have chosen any one of Wilfried Zaha, Craig Bellamy, Jordon Mutch, Kim Bo-Kyung or even Peter Whittingham for that advanced position.

But Gunnarsson it was, which baffled many.

It led to claims that four months into the job, Soslkajer still isn’t really any closer to knowing his best team than he was on inheriting the Bluebirds post at the beginning of January.

I have always argued that Solskjaer is nowhere near as ordinary a manager as he has appeared to be with Cardiff. I pointed that out to a couple of knowledgeable Cardiff fans at Newcastle, only to be met with their response of pointing scathingly towards the pitch.

In other words, if he is so good, then what’s that rubbish we’re having to watch.

It’s hard arguing against that mantra, although conversely it was fascinating to note that in our WalesOnline Bluebirds Blame-ometer only five per cent of the thousands voting pinned the Bluebirds plight at the hands of Solskjaer.

More than double that figure held Mackay responsible. His signings, as has been the case with Ole, have left a lot to be desired. Fans also held the players accountable, with Vincent Tan inevitably the main subject of their blame.

Solskjaer is genial, engaging and may yet prove to be a Bluebirds managerial legend.

But much as I’d like to be proven hopelessly wrong, I’m not convinced the current managerial set-up is the right one to get the Bluebirds straight back out of a highly competitive Championship.

The main charge against Solskjaer when he was appointed Cardiff manager was that he knew little about the cut and thrust of a Premier League relegation battle.

Well, for a man accustomed to spending his career in the top flight, he knows even less about the complexities of the Championship.

That division, so the saying goes, is the most difficult in world football to win. It is relentless. Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday.

Then Tuesday-Saturday-Tuesday.

Promotion is clinched by mentally strong teams going up to Huddersfield on a cold November night and winning 1-0. Then going again in a home fixture with Bolton, before heading to Charlton, or Blackburn, or Middlesbrough, Millwall or Bournemouth.

Glamorous it isn’t. A grind it most certainly is. History tells us that any team can beat any other at that level. You almost have to bore your way to the top.

As Cardiff did so splendidly under Mackay last season. As Burnley have done under Mackay’s old Watford No.2 Sean Dyche this time around, when Harry Redknapp possessed a squad full of far more gifted individuals with Queens Park Rangers.

Redknapp knows what this division is about, having won the damn thing with Portsmouth, but even he couldn’t get his money-laden, stardust QPR team into the top two.

You could argue, I guess, the Norwegian League Solskjaer twice won with Molde is more akin in standard to the Championship than the Premier League.

But my personal view is that if Solskjaer is to carry on in charge and, more importantly, succeed at that level, he needs a been there, seen it, done it, battled hardened No.2 working with him.

Not Lennie Lawrence, but a Lennie Lawrence type figure. Neil Warnock, somebody of that stature. Solskjaer is the professional, he’ll know of the names to approach.

It would be hugely unfair to axe Solskjaer so soon into the job. I’m willing him to succeed. But to do so, my guess is he will need help from an experienced wily old fox to help guide the Bluebirds through what, in its unique way, is the most challenging division in world football.

This Could be a very good idea acctually , would only stregthening Ole"s team
If Tinkerman will use his rolling system with success in the many matches they play in Championship,
it will means a lot in positive results?
It also depends on if OGS can have his own chosen players, to play his attractive style of football.
If so, we can have a winner!

Brendan Rogers, Malky Mackay, Sean Dyche...all ex Watford? Who is bringing them through?

What i dont understand, the Wigan manager, he couldt do fok all at Molde, Then Ole rebuild Molde from top to bottom, the Wigan manager doing great in championship, but Ole cant? Not even with his own squad? Some strange times..
Looking at that Guerra guy last nigh, there is 20 goals in him easy, and we dont have to pay 8 mill for him either. Doubt he is on 45k a week wages to. Cant wait for transfers to start rolling both ways

What i dont understand, the Wigan manager, he couldt do fok all at Molde, Then Ole rebuild Molde from top to bottom, the Wigan manager doing great in championship, but Ole cant? Not even with his own squad? Some strange times..
Looking at that Guerra guy last nigh, there is 20 goals in him easy, and we dont have to pay 8 mill for him either. Doubt he is on 45k a week wages to. Cant wait for transfers to start rolling both ways

Uwe only managed Molde for 8 games where he won 6 and drew 2 and saved them from relegation.

But don't let facts get in the way, eh.

What i dont understand, the Wigan manager, he couldt do fok all at Molde, Then Ole rebuild Molde from top to bottom, the Wigan manager doing great in championship, but Ole cant? Not even with his own squad? Some strange times..
Looking at that Guerra guy last nigh, there is 20 goals in him easy, and we dont have to pay 8 mill for him either. Doubt he is on 45k a week wages to. Cant wait for transfers to start rolling both ways

Uwe only managed Molde for 8 games where he won 6 and drew 2 and saved them from relegation.

But don't let facts get in the way, eh.

Didnt mean to start an argument, but didnt he do fok all with a few other teams in norway to? i dont have facts on him at all, all after memory..but facts dosent seem to be a factor in the Ole debate though, you got that right.

What i dont understand, the Wigan manager, he couldt do fok all at Molde, Then Ole rebuild Molde from top to bottom, the Wigan manager doing great in championship, but Ole cant? Not even with his own squad? Some strange times..
Looking at that Guerra guy last nigh, there is 20 goals in him easy, and we dont have to pay 8 mill for him either. Doubt he is on 45k a week wages to. Cant wait for transfers to start rolling both ways

What are you on about! Ogs never been in the championship. Wigan is not in the PL, different story.

Bringing in a No.2 with more experience than the manager will only have people saying OGS is being undermined and this new guy will be stepping in pretty soon when OGS is sacked.

Ole can say it is his appointment, but every time this has happened elsewhere it has always been seen as getting ready for the inevitable.

What i dont understand, the Wigan manager, he couldt do fok all at Molde, Then Ole rebuild Molde from top to bottom, the Wigan manager doing great in championship, but Ole cant? Not even with his own squad? Some strange times..
Looking at that Guerra guy last nigh, there is 20 goals in him easy, and we dont have to pay 8 mill for him either. Doubt he is on 45k a week wages to. Cant wait for transfers to start rolling both ways

What are you on about! Ogs never been in the championship. Wigan is not in the PL, different story.

Was hoping for a debate on what is needed for the championship, then bring the debate forward to how to plan for the premiership starting to sign players good enough now. Then i was hoping for an debate on Uwes (New to championship to) successes and the similarities and differences between them (They are good friends) But i clearly misjudged my audience and fell on my ass

What i dont understand, the Wigan manager, he couldt do fok all at Molde, Then Ole rebuild Molde from top to bottom, the Wigan manager doing great in championship, but Ole cant? Not even with his own squad? Some strange times..
Looking at that Guerra guy last nigh, there is 20 goals in him easy, and we dont have to pay 8 mill for him either. Doubt he is on 45k a week wages to. Cant wait for transfers to start rolling both ways

What are you on about! Ogs never been in the championship. Wigan is not in the PL, different story.

Was hoping for a debate on what is needed for the championship, then bring the debate forward to how to plan for the premiership starting to sign players good enough now. Then i was hoping for an debate on Uwes (New to championship to) successes and the similarities and differences between them (They are good friends) But i clearly misjudged my audience and fell on my ass

Bringing in a No.2 with more experience than the manager will only have people saying OGS is being undermined and this new guy will be stepping in pretty soon when OGS is sacked.

Ole can say it is his appointment, but every time this has happened elsewhere it has always been seen as getting ready for the inevitable.

Get on the blower to his mate Gary Neville, I bet he could organise the defence and still do a bit of sky TV

What i dont understand, the Wigan manager, he couldt do fok all at Molde, Then Ole rebuild Molde from top to bottom, the Wigan manager doing great in championship, but Ole cant? Not even with his own squad? Some strange times..
Looking at that Guerra guy last nigh, there is 20 goals in him easy, and we dont have to pay 8 mill for him either. Doubt he is on 45k a week wages to. Cant wait for transfers to start rolling both ways

What are you on about! Ogs never been in the championship. Wigan is not in the PL, different story.

Was hoping for a debate on what is needed for the championship, then bring the debate forward to how to plan for the premiership starting to sign players good enough now. Then i was hoping for an debate on Uwes (New to championship to) successes and the similarities and differences between them (They are good friends) But i clearly misjudged my audience and fell on my ass

Bringing in a No.2 with more experience than the manager will only have people saying OGS is being undermined and this new guy will be stepping in pretty soon when OGS is sacked.

Ole can say it is his appointment, but every time this has happened elsewhere it has always been seen as getting ready for the inevitable.

Get on the blower to his mate Gary Neville, I bet he could organise the defence and still do a bit of sky TV

Most goals have been personal mistakes from defenders hasnt it? But mostly a midfield unable to track back, and murdered with their lack of paste? Also loss of posession is a big problem, which might get better with organising players and make them more playable. I think Ole is to loyal to replace Mark, but I hope Rene Meulensteen might join the staff. IMO we need a new set of players to address the balance between attack and defence. I think both Malky and Ole know this.

What i dont understand, the Wigan manager, he couldt do fok all at Molde, Then Ole rebuild Molde from top to bottom, the Wigan manager doing great in championship, but Ole cant? Not even with his own squad? Some strange times..
Looking at that Guerra guy last nigh, there is 20 goals in him easy, and we dont have to pay 8 mill for him either. Doubt he is on 45k a week wages to. Cant wait for transfers to start rolling both ways

What are you on about! Ogs never been in the championship. Wigan is not in the PL, different story.

Was hoping for a debate on what is needed for the championship, then bring the debate forward to how to plan for the premiership starting to sign players good enough now. Then i was hoping for an debate on Uwes (New to championship to) successes and the similarities and differences between them (They are good friends) But i clearly misjudged my audience and fell on my ass

Bringing in a No.2 with more experience than the manager will only have people saying OGS is being undermined and this new guy will be stepping in pretty soon when OGS is sacked.

Ole can say it is his appointment, but every time this has happened elsewhere it has always been seen as getting ready for the inevitable.

Get on the blower to his mate Gary Neville, I bet he could organise the defence and still do a bit of sky TV

Most goals have been personal mistakes from defenders hasnt it? But mostly a midfield unable to track back, and murdered with their lack of paste? Also loss of posession is a big problem, which might get better with organising players and make them more playable. I think Ole is to loyal to replace Mark, but I hope Rene Meulensteen might join the staff. IMO we need a new set of players to address the balance between attack and defence. I think both Malky and Ole know this.

malky should have..i hope Ole does

totally agree ole defo needs to bring someone in with experience

maybe mike phelan with ole's united links not in work at the moment was assistant to fergie could come down & help him out

Solskjaer needed help this season .

What i dont understand, the Wigan manager, he couldt do fok all at Molde, Then Ole rebuild Molde from top to bottom, the Wigan manager doing great in championship, but Ole cant? Not even with his own squad? Some strange times..
Looking at that Guerra guy last nigh, there is 20 goals in him easy, and we dont have to pay 8 mill for him either. Doubt he is on 45k a week wages to. Cant wait for transfers to start rolling both ways

What are you on about! Ogs never been in the championship. Wigan is not in the PL, different story.

Was hoping for a debate on what is needed for the championship, then bring the debate forward to how to plan for the premiership starting to sign players good enough now. Then i was hoping for an debate on Uwes (New to championship to) successes and the similarities and differences between them (They are good friends) But i clearly misjudged my audience and fell on my ass

Bringing in a No.2 with more experience than the manager will only have people saying OGS is being undermined and this new guy will be stepping in pretty soon when OGS is sacked.

Ole can say it is his appointment, but every time this has happened elsewhere it has always been seen as getting ready for the inevitable.

Get on the blower to his mate Gary Neville, I bet he could organise the defence and still do a bit of sky TV

Good call that's what he needs one of his previous good defenders to sort the defence, you need a solid platform in the Championship.