Franck Haise rejected approaches from several Premier League clubs while managing RC Lens because he felt his English proficiency was inadequate, according to a report published on November 6, 2026.
The 55-year-old French coach, who later took charge at Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais, explained that Brighton & Hove Albion, Everton, and Nottingham Forest all expressed concrete interest in his managerial profile. Rather than entertaining the sporting projects, Haise chose to step back before negotiations advanced.
There was Brighton, Everton came too, and Nottingham had taken information,
Haise said in an interview with So Foot. It was me who refused every time to go further in the discussions because I didn’t feel ready.
🚨 Franck Haise reveals Premier League approaches from Everton, Brighton and Forest – Rennes boss Franck Haise has revealed past interest from Everton, Brighton and Nottingham Forest – He told So Foot he declined to take talks further each time – Haise said he did not feel ready… pic.twitter.com/7N19HYAA28
Language barriers outweighed sporting ambition
Rather than questioning the competitive challenge of English football, Haise pointed directly to daily communication as his primary hesitation.
Rightly or wrongly, I always think my level of English is insufficient,
he noted. For communication, the way of talking with the players, the staff.
🇫🇷 Franck Haise | Ligue 1 manager reveals approaches from Everton, Nottingham Forest and Brighton ➡️ Rennes boss fancies Premier League move but wants to improve his English first https://t.co/M9xFkwmTKs #efc #nffc #bhafc
With hindsight, the former OGC Nice and RC Lens boss admits he may have applied an overly strict standard to his own linguistic capabilities. I perhaps put that barrier there myself,
he added, acknowledging that self-doubt closed doors abroad that might otherwise have stayed open.
Daily language training to prepare for future foreign opportunities
Determined not to let communication obstacles dictate his career path again, Haise integrated language study into his daily routine. To bridge the gap, the veteran coach turned to the smartphone application Duolingo.
🚨🇫🇷 Haise reveals Premier League interest — English held him back! 📞 Rennes boss Franck Haise says Everton, Brighton and Nottingham Forest approached him, but he chose not to advance talks because he did not feel ready. 🗣️ His concern was communicating effectively with… pic.twitter.com/XfBD1RFs9f
I’m almost at a thousand days on Duolingo,
Haise revealed with humor. Well, it’s Duolingo, but I make the effort to work.
That consistent preparation highlights a broader desire to evolve, even after establishing himself as a prominent figure in French football management.
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