Stade Rennais FC manager Franck Haise has disclosed the surprising reason behind his decision to reject approaches from several Premier League clubs. The French coach revealed he turned down opportunities with Brighton, Everton, and Nottingham Forest due to concerns about his English language skills.
Language Barrier Halts Premier League Move
Haise, who is currently under contract with Stade Rennais until 2028, explained that he did not feel ready to take on a role in England. Speaking to So Foot, the 55-year-old stated, “It was me who turned down taking the discussions any further each time because I didn’t feel ready. Rightly or wrongly, I still think my English isn’t good enough – for communication, for talking to the players and the staff.”
The former RC Lens manager emphasised the importance of clear communication in a football environment, suggesting his current English level was a significant hurdle. He acknowledged his perceived shortcomings and has since been actively working to improve his proficiency in the language.
Commitment to Improvement and Future Prospects
Haise humorously mentioned his dedication to learning, noting he has almost reached 1,000 days on Duolingo. This commitment highlights his desire to overcome the language barrier that prevented him from considering a move to the Premier League.
Despite turning down these recent opportunities, a future move to England is not entirely off the table for Haise. While firmly committed to Stade Rennais FC for now, his efforts to improve his English suggest he may one day reconsider a role in the English top flight, once he feels adequately prepared for the linguistic demands of such a position.