Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is poised for a return to English football this week, albeit in a very different capacity to the managerial role he was recently linked with at Manchester United. The Norwegian, who was dismissed by the Red Devils over four years ago, had been touted as a potential interim successor at Old Trafford before the club ultimately appointed former midfielder Michael Carrick to the position.
Carrick's Immediate Impact at United
That decision has yielded immediate dividends for Manchester United, with Carrick overseeing impressive Premier League victories against formidable rivals Manchester City and Arsenal. This fast start has solidified his standing, leaving Solskjaer to continue his search for a new managerial role since his departure from Turkish side Besiktas earlier this season.
Solskjaer's New UEFA Assignment
Instead of a dugout return, Solskjaer will be back in England this week serving as a UEFA technical observer for the Champions League. His specific assignment will see him positioned at Anfield for Liverpool's crucial home fixture against Qarabag. This role places him in the unique position of analytically observing one of Manchester United's historic rivals during a pivotal European night.
The match presents an intriguing subplot, as Liverpool manager Arne Slot finds himself under increasing pressure following a weekend Premier League defeat to Bournemouth that left the Merseyside club outside the top four. However, European fortunes offer a brighter prospect, with a victory guaranteeing Liverpool a top-eight finish in the Champions League table and avoiding an additional play-off round.
The Prestigious UEFA Technical Observer Panel
Solskjaer is part of an esteemed group of more than twenty current and former players and coaches entrusted by UEFA with the technical observer role. This distinguished panel includes notable figures such as former Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou, ex-England national team boss Gareth Southgate, and the current Portugal manager, Roberto Martinez.
Martinez elaborated on the nuanced demands of the position, stating, "Instead of just watching the game for a specific reason – in my capacity as a national-team coach – you are watching it in a more holistic way and appreciating the development of the game and the competition itself." He further explained that the focus can encompass various performance aspects, from the emergence of young talent to evolving tactical trends and increasing physical demands within the competition.
Responsibilities and Insights of the Role
According to UEFA's official description, the technical observers collaborate closely with the organisation's Performance Analysis team during each assigned match. They are provided with comprehensive video footage from multiple angles, including broadcast, tactical, and high-behind views, which they can review either live at the stadium or remotely.
A key duty for each observer is to select the official Player of the Match for their assigned fixture. Furthermore, the collective panel convenes to determine the season's standout awards, including Player of the Season, Young Player of the Season, Team of the Season, and Goal of the Season. The most recent recipient from an English club was Manchester City's Rodri, who won the Player of the Season accolade for the 2022/23 campaign.
This UEFA role offers Solskjaer a continued high-level involvement in the European game, providing a platform for deep tactical analysis and contribution to the sport's development, as he awaits his next opportunity in club management.
