Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has dismissed suggestions he could quit Cardiff City during the summer following their relegation from the Premier League.
The popular Norwegian was appointed as Bluebirds manager following the controversial departure of Malky Mackay in December, but if anything, their fortunes have dipped since. When the previous coach was fired the Welsh side were one point above the relegation zone, but they have slumped to the foot of the table under his successor.
Indeed, Solskjaer has been able to celebrate just three wins in the Premier League, and the 3-0 defeat at Newcastle United on Saturday ensured they are heading back to the Championship after just one campaign in the top-flight. This has fuelled speculation that the former Manchester United striker could leave during the summer, but the title-winning Molde coach insists he wants to help his current side bounce back.
Asked if he would be staying, he told Sky Sports: “Definitely. I am the manager of Cardiff City and I am not going to lay down and feel sorry for myself. We will go into the next game showing professional pride and put in a good performance and then we will plan for next season. We can make such a difference to their lives [the fans] and they are unbelievable and we will give them a good game next week and bounce back up next season.”
Solskjaer will now be looking at his squad as he plans for next season in the Championship, as he decides which players to retain and which ones will be eyeing transfers. Steven Caulker, who joined in the summer from Tottenham Hotspur in a club record £8million deal, has been linked with Liverpool, where he would be reunited with Brendan Rodgers who he enjoyed a loan spell with at Swansea City. However, the 22-year-old, who has one England cap, insists he will stay and fight for promotion with his current club.
“Over the course of the season we have not been good enough,” the defender told Sky Sports. “We have conceded too many goals too many times this season and we haven’t scored enough and that’s why we are down there. So we will have to rebuild and go again next season. We are not looking for excuses. I have signed a four-year deal here so I will be in a Cardiff City shirt next season trying to get us promoted.”
