With Liverpool’s new sporting director almost confirmed, the focus shifts to the search for Jurgen Klopp’s replacement, with full steam ahead – Franck Haise.
Following Michael Edwards’ appointment as FSG’s new CEO of football, it is anticipated that he will bring in Richard Hughes from Bournemouth to oversee operations at Liverpool this summer.
This sets the stage for a crucial endeavor to ensure that Liverpool makes the most significant appointment of the modern era.
So far, the clear front-runner has been former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso. However, with it far from certain that Alonso will be tempted by a return to Anfield, other options are also reportedly being assessed.
One such candidate is claimed to be Lens manager Franck Haise. In quotes from CaughtOffside today, French football expert Jonathan Johnson has confirmed that Liverpool are taking a look at hiring Haise.
“Although we’ve heard a lot about names like Xabi Alonso and Roberto De Zerbi, Lens manager Franck Haise has also been linked as one potential outsider for the Liverpool job after his impressive work in Ligue 1”
Johnson explains.
“My understanding is that, yes, there has been interest in him going back a couple of years now, not just from Liverpool but also from other clubs across Europe.”
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Liverpool Eyeing Franck Haise
For those unfamiliar with French football, Haise may be an unfamiliar name. Despite his age of 52, the former midfielder does not boast extensive experience as a head coach.
Having spent a number of years in France’s lower leagues and as an assistant at Lorient, Haise took a job with Lens’ B team in 2017.
From there, he was promoted to the top job in 2020, with Lens in Ligue 2. They weren’t there long though, Haise guiding the Blood and Gold to second place and promotion. After that, Lens’ story has been one of constant improvement.
In their first top-flight season in years during 2020/21, they defied expectations by finishing 7th in Ligue 1.
Haise subsequently demonstrated that their success was no coincidence by achieving the same placement in the following season, 2021/22.
Then, to top it off, the manager guided Lens to second place and a Champions League spot last season.
It’s possible they’ll repeat the feat this time around as well. Despite currently occupying fifth place, Lens is only four points behind Brest, who are in second.
PSG maintain a significant lead at the top, but securing another second-place finish would be incredibly impressive.
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This narrative suggests a manager who is continually improving and honing their skills. While it remains uncertain whether this progression is sufficient to position them as a viable candidate for Liverpool.
There is a strong case for Xabi Alonso to be considered their primary option to succeed Klopp. However, if securing Alonso proves unfeasible, the competition for the managerial role at Liverpool is poised to be intriguing to observe.
