A Deep Dive into His Remarkable Journey

Franck Haise’s appointment as Celtic manager in the summer of 2024 raised eyebrows. While he had achieved remarkable success with RC Lens in France, leading them to Champions League qualification, the Scottish Premiership presented a different challenge. Two seasons in, it’s safe to say Haise has not only met that challenge but has exceeded expectations, transforming Celtic into a dominant force both domestically and in Europe. This article delves into the specifics of Haise’s reign, analyzing his tactical innovations, astute transfer dealings, and the remarkable development of key players.

Tactical Foundations: Building from the Back

Haise inherited a Celtic squad that, while talented, lacked a clear tactical identity and defensive solidity. His first priority was to instill a more organized and disciplined defensive structure. Initially, Haise experimented with a 3-4-3 formation, mirroring the system that brought him success at Lens. However, he quickly adapted to the Scottish game, recognizing the need for greater flexibility and defensive cover. He has since primarily utilized a 4-3-3 and a 4-2-3-1, both formations prioritizing a compact midfield and disciplined defensive line.

A key aspect of Haise’s tactical approach is his emphasis on pressing. Celtic now employ a high-pressing system, aiming to win the ball back in the opponent’s half. This requires immense work rate and tactical discipline from the players, particularly the forwards and midfielders. The success of this pressing system is evident in Celtic’s improved defensive record. In the 2023-24 season, before Haise’s arrival, Celtic conceded an average of 1.1 goals per game. Under Haise, that figure has dropped to 0.7 goals per game in the 2025-26 season (data from Scottish Premiership Official Website).

The central defenders are crucial to Haise’s system. He demands that they are comfortable playing out from the back, initiating attacks with short, precise passes. He also expects them to be dominant in the air and physically strong, capable of dealing with the physical demands of the Scottish game. The emergence of young academy graduate, Liam Morrison, as a key figure in the Celtic defense is a testament to Haise’s coaching ability. Morrison, initially deemed too inexperienced, has flourished under Haise’s guidance, becoming a composed and reliable defender.

Offensive Philosophy: Dynamic Movement and Clinical Finishing

While defensive solidity is paramount, Haise’s Celtic are far from a defensive team. His offensive philosophy is based on dynamic movement, quick passing, and clinical finishing. He encourages his players to take risks in the final third, emphasizing creativity and improvisation.

The wide players are central to Celtic’s attacking play. Haise demands that they are able to beat defenders one-on-one, deliver accurate crosses, and contribute goals. The signing of Portuguese winger, Fabio Carvalho, from Liverpool in the summer of 2025, has added another dimension to Celtic’s attack. Carvalho’s pace, trickery, and eye for goal have made him a constant threat to opposition defenses. His statistics speak for themselves: 12 goals and 8 assists in 25 league appearances this season (stats via Transfermarkt).

In midfield, Haise prefers players who are both technically gifted and physically robust. He needs players who can control the tempo of the game, win tackles, and contribute goals from midfield. Club captain, Callum McGregor, continues to be a vital cog in the Celtic midfield, providing leadership and experience. However, Haise has also brought in new faces, such as French midfielder, Enzo Le Fée, who has added creativity and dynamism to the midfield.

Upfront, Haise demands a striker who is not only a clinical finisher but also capable of linking up play and bringing others into the game. Kyogo Furuhashi, already a Celtic icon, has continued to thrive under Haise’s management. His movement off the ball, his ability to find space in the box, and his clinical finishing make him a nightmare for defenders.

Transfer Strategy: Identifying and Developing Talent

Haise’s success at Celtic is not solely down to his tactical acumen; his transfer strategy has also played a crucial role. He has a clear vision of the type of players he wants to bring to the club, and he works closely with the scouting department to identify targets who fit his profile.

A key aspect of Haise’s transfer strategy is his focus on signing young, promising players with high potential. He believes that these players can be developed into world-class talents under his guidance. The signings of Fabio Carvalho and Enzo Le Fée are prime examples of this strategy. Both players were highly sought after by other clubs, but Haise was able to convince them that Celtic was the right place for them to develop their careers.

Haise is also not afraid to give opportunities to young players from the Celtic academy. As mentioned earlier, Liam Morrison has become a key figure in the Celtic defense. Other academy graduates, such as Ben Doak and Daniel Kelly, have also been given opportunities to impress in the first team. This emphasis on youth development has not only strengthened the Celtic squad but has also created a strong connection between the club and its fans.

Furthermore, Haise has shown a knack for identifying undervalued players in less prominent leagues. The signing of South Korean midfielder, Kwon Hyeok-kyu, from Gimcheon Sangmu, proved to be a masterstroke. Kwon’s tireless work rate, his ability to break up play, and his surprisingly accurate long-range passing have made him a fan favorite.

Player Transformations: Unlocking Potential

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Haise’s reign at Celtic is his ability to improve the performance of individual players. He has a reputation for being a demanding but fair coach, and he works tirelessly with his players to help them reach their full potential.

Callum McGregor, already a Celtic legend, has taken his game to another level under Haise’s management. He is now playing with greater confidence and authority, dictating the tempo of games and leading by example. His passing range has improved, and he is now contributing more goals from midfield.

Kyogo Furuhashi has also benefited from Haise’s coaching. He is now making even more intelligent runs off the ball, and his finishing has become even more clinical. He has also improved his link-up play, becoming a more rounded and complete striker.

However, the most remarkable transformation has been that of Liam Morrison. He was initially seen as a promising but raw talent. However, under Haise’s guidance, he has developed into a composed and reliable defender. He is now comfortable playing out from the back, and he is dominant in the air. His performances have earned him rave reviews, and he is now being touted as a future Scotland international.

Challenges Ahead: Maintaining Momentum

While Haise has enjoyed considerable success at Celtic, he faces a number of challenges in the years ahead. Maintaining momentum is always difficult in football, and he will need to continue to innovate and evolve his tactics to stay ahead of the competition.

The pressure to win trophies at Celtic is immense, and Haise will need to continue to deliver silverware to satisfy the fans. He will also need to continue to develop young players and bring in new talent to keep the squad fresh and competitive.

Furthermore, Haise will need to contend with the increasing financial power of other clubs. Celtic will need to be smart in the transfer market to compete with clubs who have much larger budgets. Haise’s ability to identify undervalued players and develop young talent will be crucial in this regard.

Despite these challenges, Haise has already proven himself to be a highly capable manager. His tactical acumen, his transfer strategy, and his ability to improve players have transformed Celtic into a dominant force. If he can continue to build on this foundation, he could lead Celtic to even greater heights in the years ahead.

Conclusion: A Resounding Success

Franck Haise’s tenure at Celtic has been nothing short of a resounding success. He has transformed the team into a well-organized, defensively solid, and exciting attacking force. His tactical innovations, shrewd transfer dealings, and remarkable ability to develop players have made him a hugely popular figure with the Celtic fans. While challenges undoubtedly lie ahead, Haise has laid a strong foundation for continued success, and Celtic fans have every reason to be optimistic about the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Question: What tactical changes did Franck Haise implement at Celtic?

  Answer: Haise primarily shifted Celtic to a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing a high-pressing system and a more organized defensive structure. He also prioritizes playing out from the back with composed central defenders.

• Question: Which players have particularly thrived under Haise’s management?

  Answer: Callum McGregor has elevated his game, Kyogo Furuhashi has become even more clinical, and academy graduate Liam Morrison has emerged as a key defender under Haise’s guidance.

• Question: What is Haise’s transfer strategy at Celtic?

  Answer: Haise focuses on signing young, promising players with high potential, identifying undervalued players in less prominent leagues, and promoting talent from the Celtic academy.

• Question: How has Celtic’s defensive record changed under Haise?

  Answer: Before Haise’s arrival, Celtic conceded an average of 1.1 goals per game. Under Haise, that figure has dropped to approximately 0.7 goals per game.

• Question: What are the main challenges facing Haise at Celtic?

  Answer: Maintaining momentum, continuing to win trophies, developing young players, competing with financially stronger clubs, and constantly innovating to stay ahead of the competition are key challenges.

• Question: What impact has Fabio Carvalho had since joining Celtic?

  Answer: Fabio Carvalho’s pace, trickery, and eye for goal have significantly boosted Celtic’s attack, contributing with a significant number of goals and assists since his arrival.