Two months after taking the helm at Stade Rennais, Franck Haise shared his insights in an interview on RMC. The 54-year-old coach spoke candidly about his past experience at Nice, his new approach in Rennes, and Lens’ title hopes, discussing his career and current Ligue 1 events.
Haise Expresses Contentment at Rennes
Franck Haise confirmed that he feels fulfilled and calm at Rennes. He explained that he had recharged his batteries and reflected on areas for personal improvement. Returning to the Rennes club, where he had previously spent time in youth development, and a region he appreciates, significantly contributes to his happiness as a coach.
An Unplanned Return to Coaching
His return to coaching was not planned. Football is unpredictable, and opportunities can change one’s course. He had even declined offers, preferring to wait until the end of the season, but a discussion with Stade Rennais, while he was in Quebec, accelerated his comeback.
Player Reception Mid-Season
Arriving mid-season, Haise found a squad already boosted by a victory against Paris, despite previous challenging results. He perceived the players as receptive and attentive. He deliberately avoided making too many radical changes initially, while still introducing some adjustments, particularly to the playing system.
Reflecting on the End of His Nice Chapter
Haise has no regrets about the end of his time at Nice itself, but admits he could have given more to his team in the final weeks, feeling caught in a negative dynamic. However, he emphasizes the positive aspects of his tenure, recalling the 4th-place finish and Champions League playoff qualification, as well as a record number of goals scored despite a season initially complicated by injuries. He acknowledges not always having mastered what was within his control, especially towards the end.
A More Measured Communication Style
Haise acknowledges an evolution in his communication style. He admits making a mistake by trying to change things outside his direct scope (pitch, staff, players), which generated negative energy. He emphasizes the difference between arriving at the start and in the middle of a season, and the need to understand the club’s current context, which has evolved since his previous time there 15 years ago. He advocates humility and a progressive, “step by step” approach, not seeking magic. He notes progress, such as keeping four clean sheets out of five, but desires more offensive efficiency in upcoming matches to better position the team in the standings.
Tactical Flexibility: Back Three vs. Back Four
Although a proponent of a back three, Haise explains his choice to maintain a back four at Rennes by two factors. Firstly, the injury context (Jacquet, Seidu, Abdelhamid) did not provide him with enough operational central defenders. Secondly, he is not dogmatic about systems, having coached with a back four for a long time before Lens. He believes a back three requires specific player profiles and good articulation, which was difficult at the time he took over, especially after a victory with a back four. He prioritizes flexibility, even for the upcoming match against Brest, where suspensions and injuries might force him into creative solutions.
Rennes’ Core Objective: Consistent European Qualification
Stade Rennais’ objective remains constant: to qualify for Europe as regularly as possible, especially after two seasons without qualification. Haise is not aiming for a 10th-place finish, as that goes against the club’s logic. His role is to maximize the chances of achieving this goal through training, relationships, and player well-being. He urges his team to “let go” and show more personality in this final stretch of the season.
Squad Quality: Rennes vs. Top Teams
When asked about the superiority of squads ahead of Rennes (currently 6th), Haise believes that, apart from PSG, the quality isn’t necessarily better. He cites Lens as an example of an unexpected team in the top 5 having an exceptional season. He calls on his team to “fully let go” and be more enterprising, even against compact defenses, to climb back into the race.
Long-Term Ambitions and “Rennes DNA”
Acknowledging his “Rennes DNA,” Haise expresses his desire to build a long-term presence, similar to Julien Stéphan or Bruno Genesio. He emphasizes the importance of succeeding for the club, which has been continuously growing for 25 years. With his eighteen-month contract, he hopes to contribute to the club’s development. He remains pragmatic, aware that only results will determine the continuation of his journey.
RC Lens’ Title Hopes
When asked about RC Lens’ title chances, Haise expressed his particular attachment to the club, where he spent seven years, including four and a half with the professional team. He experienced exceptional moments there and considers it a “special” club. Although he doesn’t “choose sides,” he wishes them the best for the end of the season, just as he wishes for Nice to avoid relegation.
Nuanced View on PSG Match Postponement
Regarding PSG’s request to postpone a Ligue 1 match to accommodate their Champions League schedule, Haise adopts a nuanced stance. He understands both sides but insists that if the League opens this path, it should apply it fairly to all clubs involved in European competitions. He acknowledges that, as Lens’ coach, he would be disappointed, and as PSG’s coach, he would be satisfied, but he is glad not to be in that delicate position.
