SOLSKJAER: 'IT STARTS TODAY'

New Manager relishing Premier League challenge with City

New Cardiff City manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is relishing the challenge of the Premier League once again following his appointment as manager of the Bluebirds.

Arriving at Cardiff City Stadium from Norwegian outfit Molde FK on a rolling contract as first team manager, Solskjaer was unveiled to the world’s media at a press conference at the Stadium this afternoon.

Expressing his excitement of leading the Bluebirds forward, Solskjaer said: “It’s a fantastic challenge for me. Cardiff City are ready to take that next step up and I hope I can help them.

“I’ve always dreamt of being a manager in the Premier League and I’m delighted to get the opportunity. I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead. I’m going to bring my energy and enthusiasm to the club.

“I’m a very positive manager,” he continued. “I want to play a good style of football and yesterday we showed what a threat we can be. We’ve got some of the toughest trips in world football coming up this month. They’re games we’ll relish and look forward to.”

Solskjaer has impressed immensely in his first managerial role in his native Norway, guiding Molde FK to their first ‘Tippeligaen’ title in their 100 year history in 2011 before retaining their crown the following campaign, adding the domestic Norwegian Football Cup to his honours list in November.

He is of course well known to the Barclays Premier League having spent an eleven year spell at Manchester United, winning six league titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League in 1999.

“I’ve had my best times of my career in the Premier League,” said Solskjaer. “I can’t wait to lead Cardiff City in front of this passionate support. I have always wanted to come back.

“I am really looking forward to convincing the Cardiff fans that I am the right man to take them forward. We want to push this club forward and up the Premier League. The quality of the staff and players is high here.

“The passion of the fans is one of the factors that intrigued me to Cardiff City. They love the club and give their maximum support to their heroes every single Saturday.

“If you manage a football club that’s exactly what you’re looking for – you want that passion and I’m really looking forward to convincing them that I’m the right man to take the club forward.

“I will try to convince them with my hard work, loyalty and my brand of football.”

The new City boss met his players for the first time at the Vale Resort this morning having taken a  first look at his side in the Bluebirds’ clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on New Year’s Day.

“Yesterday (against Arsenal) was the first time I had seen Cardiff live,” said Solskjaer. “They gave me a lot of encouragement. I had my first chat with the players this morning.

“I’m lucky, they’re a great bunch of lads. I’m inheriting a great squad of fantastically talented hard working players. They’ve been used to winning games the last few years, now they’re in the Premier League – it’s a time to enjoy it.

“I hope to inspire and motivate them and improve them as players and improve us as a team. With my philosophy and the way I want football to be played – it starts today."