Rennes has found its new boss. The French club announced Wednesday that Franck Haise is taking over as head coach, signing a deal that runs through 2027.
Haise replaces Habib Beye and walks into a challenging situation. Rennes sits in sixth place but has its eyes on that crucial fourth spot that leads to Champions League qualifying. The problem? They're six points behind Marseille with just 12 games to play.
This marks a homecoming for the 54-year-old. Haise actually started his coaching journey at Rennes, running their youth academy from 2006 to 2012. Now he's back in the big chair, bringing his assistants Johann Ramaré and Lilian Nalis along from his previous job at Nice.
From Nice Struggles to Rennes Opportunity
Speaking of Nice, that's where Haise was at the start of this season. Things didn't go well. Poor results and angry fans led to his dismissal in December, cutting short what was supposed to be a fresh challenge.
But let's not forget what Haise accomplished before that. His time at Lens from 2020 to 2024 was nothing short of brilliant. He guided them to second place in Ligue 1 in 2023, finishing just one point behind powerhouse PSG. He even got Lens into the Champions League, earning praise for his tactical smarts along the way.
For betting fans watching Rennes, this appointment could shift the odds. Haise proved at Lens he can punch above his weight, and Rennes just beat PSG 3-1 last Friday. If he can harness that momentum, the Champions League race might get interesting.
The Wine-Loving Manager
Here's something different about Haise. His friends call him "The Oenologist" because of his passion for wine collecting. It's more than just a hobby for him.
In a 2023 interview with Ouest-France newspaper, Haise explained how wine gives him mental peace. "When I read the French review of wines or watch a program about wine, these are the rare moments I'm not thinking about football," he said. "It's my escape."
His first match? A trip to Auxerre on Sunday. The irony is perfect. Auxerre sits in northern Burgundy, the region famous for Chablis white wine. Haise might need a glass after what promises to be a tough start to his Rennes revival mission.
