07 April 2023 , 10:02
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Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be handed a return to the dugout by Belgian giants Club Brugge.
Solskjaer has been out of work since November 2021, when he was dismissed by United with the club underperforming in the Premier League. He has been biding his time since, though, as he closes in on 18 months outside management.
His spell out of the game could be set to come to an end soon, however, with Club Brugge reportedly considering him for their vacant managerial role. The reigning Belgian champions have already parted ways with two managers this season, with former Bournemouth boss Scott Parker lasting just a few months in the role.
According to reports in Belgium (via The Mail ), Solskjaer is one of at least three men in contention for the Brugge job. His compatriot Ronny Deila is also said to be in consideration, as is former Bayern Munich number two Dino Toppmoller.
Deila, who managed Celtic between 2014 and 2016, is said to be considering his future at Standard Liege. He only took over at the Belgian club in 2022 after a stint in Major League Soccer, but oversaw a 3-0 victory over Club Brugge in September - the big-hitters' heaviest league reverse in more than a year.
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Toppmoller, meanwhile, has been out of work since he and manager Julian Nagelsmann left Bayern Munich. The German also served under Nagelsmann at RB Leipzig, and has previously managed in Germany and Luxembourg.
Would Solskjaer be a good fit for Club Brugge? Have your say in the comments section
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could succeed Scott Parker at Club Brugge (Armando Franca/AP/REX/Shutterstock)Club Brugge won the Belgian top division last season, but have struggled since manager Alfred Schreuder left for Ajax. Carl Hoefkens began the season in charge but was dismissed despite reaching the Champions League knockout stages, while Parker lasted less than three months at the helm.
Parker's dismal time in charge included a European elimination at the hands of Benfica, while the Englishman was unable to turn around the club's league fortunes. Club Brugge sit fifth in the league, some 19 points adrift of league leaders Genk, though their Champions League hopes aren't completely dead.
A top-four finish would be enough to reach the play-offs for a Champions League spot, though there would still be work to do to catch those above them. Second-place Union SG are 16 points ahead of them and Royal Antwerp in third are 11 points clear, but there is still a chance to make up the two-point gap to fourth-place Gent.
Rik De Mil is currently in temporary charge as Club Brugge face three teams from outside the top six in their final three games. Next up is a meeting with bottom side Seraing, who could find themselves relegated this week.