From 22 to 29 November, Franck Haise relied on 17 players, his “Hard core”, proceeding, in a week to three matches, to six changes in the starting lineup against Nantes (1-1), then five against Angers (1-3). In Rennes this Saturday (5 p.m.), on behalf of the 13th day of Ligue 1, he will return to the typical team of the moment. With the same ambition: to involve as many players as possible.
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“You wanted this summer to have a group of 20 confirmed players. You have 26 …
There are certainly two or three players who intended to find another club this summer because they knew their playing time was likely to be low. But they didn’t get what they wanted. Twenty-six is obviously too much.
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How to deal humanely with players who never play?
It’s never easy. Me or the staff try to take care of everyone even if a player’s first expectation is to be in the squad or to play. It creates a bit of frustration that we can’t do anything about. We try to be human and above all professional, in the sense of making choices. I know I will not satisfy everyone.
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It’s not a goal …
It can’t be a goal. I would rather just have to make more limited choices.
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“If I start explaining my choices, I have to do it with everyone. But I can’t do it with everyone every weekend. “
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Do you explain yourself to the players?
Rarely. It has happened to me twice since the start of the season. I spoke with some executives who might be affected by the changes. These are players who are also relays in the group. If I start explaining my choices, I have to do it with everyone. But I can’t do it with everyone every weekend.
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Your door remains open. Are they coming?
There are not a lot. In my coaching career, I have always had players who wanted to understand. When they come, I give them my answer. They understand it or not. At least they have one. If it’s purely tactical, I say so. But most of the time, if I make this choice, it is because I believe that there is a better player who will play. And, in this case, I’m pretty cash.
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“If we don’t take care of all of them, we’ll take it in the nose at one point or another”
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Do the players need us to be transparent?
As a manager, I try to be as honest as possible. When I have to say something, even if it’s not easy to hear, I prefer to say it. And the players prefer that too.
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Will the evolution of the coaching profession lead to even more participatory management that involves more players during matches?
Whether we have a group of 18, 20 or 26 chosen players or not, the manager must, with the help of his staff, take care of all the players. We cannot bring everyone, but we must bring the most in a group dynamic. If we don’t take care of all of them, we will pick it up again at one point or another. There will always be states of mind. But bonding is important. Especially for the new generation who need it. We must recognize the players in their quality of player and man. “
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