Franck Haise Takes Over as Rennes Head Coach in Ligue 1 Shake-Up
French Ligue 1 side Rennes has officially appointed Franck Haise as its new head coach, following the departure of Habib Beye. The announcement was made on Wednesday, with the club confirming Haise has signed a contract that runs until the summer of 2027.
Immediate Champions League Ambitions for Rennes
Haise's primary objective is to steer Rennes, currently sitting in sixth place, into the coveted fourth position in the league standings. This would secure a spot in the Champions League qualifying rounds, a significant achievement for the club. With just twelve games remaining in the season, Rennes trails fourth-place Marseille by six points, setting up a tense finale under their new leadership.
The 54-year-old coach returns to Rennes, where he began his coaching career by overseeing the youth academy from 2006 to 2012. This homecoming adds a sentimental layer to his appointment, as he looks to build on the club's recent form, including a notable 3-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain last Friday.
Haise's Coaching Journey and Recent Challenges
Haise's most recent role was at Nice, where he started the season but was dismissed in December due to a poor run of results and growing tensions with the fanbase. Despite this setback, his reputation remains strong, bolstered by a successful tenure at Lens from 2020 to 2024. During his time with Lens, Haise guided the team to a second-place finish behind PSG in 2023, missing out on the title by just one point and earning praise for his tactical acumen. This achievement secured Champions League football for the northern club, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level.
He will be joined at Rennes by his former assistants from Nice, Johann Ramaré and Lilian Nalis, indicating a desire for continuity and a trusted team around him.
The Oenologist: Haise's Passion for Wine as an Escape
Beyond the football pitch, Franck Haise is renowned as an avid wine collector, earning the nickname "The Oenologist" among friends. In a 2023 interview with Ouest-France newspaper, he revealed how his devotion to wine provides a crucial escape from the pressures of top-level management.
"When I read the French review of wines, when I watch a program on television about wine, or when I am taking part in a tasting, these are the rare moments I'm not thinking about football," Haise explained. "When I'm in the universe of wine, my mind is not cluttered with other things. It's my escape."
This hobby might find a fitting backdrop in his next match, as Rennes travels to Auxerre on Sunday. The city is nestled in the northern part of the Burgundy wine region, famous for producing the esteemed Chablis white wine, offering a potential moment of respite amid the competitive demands.
As Haise settles into his new role, all eyes will be on whether his strategic prowess and personal passions can combine to propel Rennes into Champions League contention, marking a new chapter for both the coach and the club.
