Rennes manager Franck Haise has revealed he previously declined an approach from Everton over concerns about his English language skills. The 55-year-old, regarded as one of the best coaches in Ligue 1, also turned down interest from Brighton and Nottingham Forest.
Haise Impresses in Ligue 1
Haise impressed with both Lens and Nice, leading both clubs to Champions League qualification. He joined Rennes in February and helped them climb the table and secure Europa League qualification at the end of last season.
That form attracted admiring glances from Premier League clubs, including Everton. Nottingham Forest and Brighton also reportedly made approaches to Haise.
Language Barrier Concerns
Speaking to French outlet So Foot, via Sport Witness, Haise said: “Every time, I was the one who declined to take discussions any further because I didn’t feel ready. There was interest from Brighton, Everton reached out as well, and Nottingham made enquiries.”
He added: “Rightly or wrongly, I still feel that my level of English isn’t good enough. For communication, for how I’d speak to the players, the staff. I’ve almost reached a thousand-day streak on Duolingo (laughs). I mean, it’s only Duolingo, but I am making the effort. Perhaps I’ve created that barrier for myself.”
Everton Turn to Moyes
When the approach was made is not clear, but Haise was recently out of work when Everton were looking for a replacement for Sean Dyche in January 2025. He had left Nice at the end of December following a poor run of form.
Everton instead turned to former manager David Moyes, who has been in charge since. The Scotsman is hoping to lead the club to European qualification this season, with the team currently sitting in seventh place in the Premier League table.
Open to Premier League Future
Interestingly for Forest and Brighton, Haise did say he would be open to working in the Premier League in the future. “An ambition? I’m not sure, but it’s an opportunity I wouldn’t say no to,” he said. “Much like working with a national team, it’s just another facet of the profession.”
Oliver Glasner is under increasing pressure at the City Ground with the team sitting second from bottom on the table. Meanwhile, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler is one of the names linked with Manchester United amid pressure on Michael Carrick.
