Franck Haise returns to Rennes as head coach, replacing the sacked Habib Beye, with the club targeting European qualification.

STADE Rennais have appointed Franck Haise as their new head coach. The 54-year-old Frenchman replaces Habib Beye, who was dismissed last week.

Haise has signed a contract with the Breton club until 2027. He returns to a club where he previously worked as a youth coach between 2006 and 2012.

“It’s a joy to return to Rennes, a true pleasure, with my staff, to join such a great club,” Haise said in a statement. He praised the club’s evolution and “exceptional infrastructure” since his departure.

Beye was sacked with Rennes sitting sixth in Ligue 1. The former Newcastle defender is now heavily linked with the vacant managerial position at Olympique de Marseille.

A potential move to Marseille is currently on hold. This is due to ongoing discussions over Beye’s severance package with Rennes.

Haise guided RC Lens to a runners-up finish in Ligue 1 and subsequent Champions League qualification. He left Lens to join OGC Nice in June 2024 but departed last December after a poor run of form.

His first match in charge will be a trip to struggling AJ Auxerre on Sunday. Rennes are coming off a impressive 3-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain last Friday.

The club currently occupies sixth place, which is a Europa League qualification spot. Haise’s immediate task will be to consolidate their position for European football next season.

 The Sun Malaysia