Time already running out for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Cardiff
Fears grow that the Norwegian might not be the man for the job after one win in seven
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER could become the next managerial casualty of another bloody Premier League seasons, with doubts growing over his future as Cardiff manager just weeks after he was parachuted into the Welsh capital as replacement for Malky Mackay. Saturday's 4-0 defeat at the hands of Hull City leaves his side in 20th place, one point off the bottom and three points from safety. And with only 11 games to go there are said to be concerns about Solskjaer's ability to keep Cardiff in the top flight. So far he has managed one win, over Norwich, and one draw, with Aston Villa, in seven league matches. As a result, the Norwegian's position is under scrutiny, reports The Times. "The club's hierarchy is also thought to be growing increasingly concerned that Solskjaer, in his first season as a manager outside his native Norway, may not be capable of turning around the slump. It is believed the possibility of replacing the 40-year-old has been floated privately, but no action is expected imminently." The result against Hull prompted the cancellation of a warm-weather training trip to Abu Dhabi, and it is unclear whether the decision came from Solksjaer or the boardroom. The former Manchester United striker is now second favourite to become the next Premier League boss to get the chop, according to The Sack Race website. "Poor results along with [owner] Vincent Tan's unpredictable and short-tempered nature means Solskjaer is already feeling the pressure," it explains. Defeat at home to bottom-club Fulham, who are now on their third manager of the season, in two weeks time could seal his fate, says the website. However, Solskjaer is unlikely to go without a fight. The Daily Mirror reports that he took "paint off the walls" as he gave his side a furious dressing down on Saturday. "Solskjaer shed his baby-faced image to shock the players and club's hierarchy with the way he tore into the squad," says the paper, which adds that the club are "sympathetic" to his situation and will give him time.
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