Pranav Nair
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer not keen on being drawn into mind games
According to The Independent, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer does not appear to have the appetite to get into mind games with his rivals, as he insists he will rise above them.
The Norwegian struggled to hide his frustration as Chelsea got away with murder regarding a sure shot penalty at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Solskjaer believes Frank Lampard and Jurgen Klopp have poisoned the well and the Red Devils are now paying for their antics.
“No. I believe in… how can I say it… fairness, karma and I’m just made the way I am.”
Solskjaer admitted that he is not formulating a retaliation and is keen to rise above the trivial constructs of psychological warfare. It is not the first time either that the Norwegian has chosen to take the high road.
He famously refused to be drawn into a spar with Jose Mourinho ahead of our match against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this season. Not that it helped much as we were then thrashed 6-1 at home.
“I will make it despite of, not because of. That’s just me. We’ll get through it. Don’t worry about that.”
A poor strategy?
The United manager comes across as a nice guy and not someone who is willing to turn the knife in. Solskjaer cannot choose to not retaliate and then complain when decisions go against us.
He may not have the cult of personality that a Mourinho or Klopp possesses. However, choosing not to do anything may not be the best tactic.
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As the manager of a top side such as Manchester United, Solskjaer is expected to go toe to toe against the best managers in the game. A number of them are adept at mind games and Solskjaer’s unwillingness to engage will just give them more ammo.
It is often said that nice guys don’t come first. Solskjaer clearly does not look like someone who is willing to get his hands dirty.
