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Molde coach Solskjaer knows Villa talks could've been handled better as sponsor pulls plug

Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer understands Molde's anger over his meeting with Aston Villa.

Molde's billionaire backer Kjell Inge Rokke has pulled the plug on his company's 20-year support as a result of the meeting with Villa.

Although Solskjaer insisted he had done nothing wrong in talking to Villa, he admitted the situation could have been handled better.

"I would have spoken with them (Villa) regardless, despite seeing the consequences of it," he said. "I have to protect myself, my ambitions and my family.

"I've said for a long time I have ambitions of being a Premier League manager but I hadn't expected to receive enquiries so soon. I've only been home for 18 months.

"But I'm not looking for another job. My children are happy here, my wife is happy, I'm happy and I've had some success."

He added: "(Wigan manager) Roberto Martinez has been given permission to speak to Liverpool, who are a fantastic big club, and you know he has ambitions - not a problem.

"The communication could have been better and clearer, we see that with hindsight. But now we are where we are, it's obvious we have to work together. The players are used to speculation about me. What is new is we have lost the backing from Aker ASA, which I understand has been discussed at length.

"Whether it's coincidence or not, it's happened now, we'll get answers. I received a text from Rokke today and we'll discuss it with each other soon."

Solskjaer, who led Molde to the league title last season for the first time in their 100-year history and at the end of his debut campaign in charge, will now prepare for his side's game at Sandnes.

"I don't feel that I have lost anyone's confidence," he said. "I had a good chat with Molde this morning where we agreed we should look forward. We have some challenges we need to tackle.

"I will also speak to Kjell Inge as I must apologise for the way this came out."

Molde chairman Oystein Neerland said Solskjaer has the full backing of the club despite the loss of their sponsorship deal with Aker.

"Molde FK have a contract with Ole Gunnar and Ole Gunnar has a contract with Molde FK. We see no reason to change that," Neerland said.

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