Three main candidates on list for West Brom head coach job as talks begin

Three main candidates are on the list for West Brom head coach job as talks begin with ex-Man Utd assistant René Hake.

The 53 year old was previously under Erik ten Hag, but now is a candidate for the head coach position at the Championship outfit, as a potential replacement for Carlos Corberan who left for Valencia on the 24th of December 2024.

West Brom are taking a methodical approach in their search for a new head coach, aiming for a tactically astute leader who can bring an expressive style to the team, reflecting a strategic hiring process.

Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano tweeted): “WBA in talks with Rene Hake as candidate for head coach job.

“Discussions ongoing with former Man United assistant coach under Erik ten Hag, now available for new job.

“He’s one of the main 3 candidates on the list for West Bromwich.”

🚨🔵 EXCL: WBA in talks with Rene Hake as candidate for head coach job.

Discussions ongoing with former Man United assistant coach under Erik ten Hag, now available for new job.

He’s one of the main 3 candidates on the list for West Bromwich. pic.twitter.com/v8utcILZ4D

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 8, 2025

FAVOURITES TO BECOME NEW WEST BROM BOSS:

BetVictor – 2pm (8th January)
Rene Hake – 1/3
Raphael Wicky – 3/1
John Eustace – 6/1
Steven Schumacher – 8/1
Urs Fischer – 8/1
Tony Mowbray – 12/1

Hake emphasises the importance of a solid defence, expecting all ten outfield players to be actively involved in defensive phases of play.

He’s known for his flexibility in tactical approaches, high-pressing style and can adapt between possession-based football and a more counterattacking, transitional style depending on the situation and taking into account the flow of the game and the opposition’s tactics.

He also is said to have a preference for quick transitions rather than holding the ball for extended periods. This adaptability allows his teams to adjust to different opponents and match situations effectively .

As per Total Football Analysis, Hake tends to start matches with a 4-2-3-1 formation, he also utilises a 4-4-2, especially in defensive phases.

Hake’s style aims to regain possession quickly and high up the pitch, disrupting the opponent’s build-up play and creating scoring opportunities from turnovers .

Coming from a background where he worked with youth teams at FC Twente, Hake’s philosophy includes a strong focus on developing players, both tactically and mentally, while having ability to recognise and nurture the innate instincts of top players, indicating a coaching style that values individual player growth alongside team success.

HIS MANAGERIAL CAREER:

Emmen: 18 October 2010 until 30 June 2012 – M60 W13 D13 L34 GF60 GA120 −60GD 21.67 win %

Twente: 30 August 2015 until 18 October 2017 – M75 W27 D15 L33 GF108 GA123 −15GD 36.00 win %

Cambuur: 31 January 2018 until 30 June 2019 – M63 W28 D17 L18 GF108 GA89 +19GD 44.44 win %

Jong Utrecht: 1 July 2019 until 7 November 2020 – M38 W13 D8 L17 GF62 GA67 −5GD 34.21 win %

Utrecht: 7 November 2020 until 22 March 2022 – M60 W24 D18 L18 GF100 GA79 +21GD 40.00 win %

Go Ahead Eagles: 9 May 2022 until 6 July 2024 – M76 W28 D20 L28 GF113 GA110 +3GD 36.84 win %

Total – M372 W133 D91 L148 GF551 GA588 37GD 35.75 win %

Twitter users reacted amid the three main candidates on the list for the West Brom head coach job as talks begin…

@JDWBA2: Nah don’t want Hake. Not impressed at all by him. Fischer/Wicky should be our main targets #WBA

@EyaWeGew: Let’s remember we spoke to Williams and that never ended up happening. Same thing could happen with Hake. What i do know Wicky interview went well and he really wants the job. Let’s see how it pans out. #WBA

@mattbrookess4: Feel like pure shit, just want King Carlos back #wba

@UncleSock: Fischer Wicky and Hake.. we are really dangling the bait lol #wba

@Albionwestand: @shilensays please don’t hire Rene Hake as manager, his record speaks for itself, very poor choice and will only end in tears. #wba

@neilololol: totally fine with our next boss being someone a bit leftfield, but don’t let it be this fella please. shite record with shite dutch clubs and then worked under that deluded clown ten hag. move along. #wba

@BenjaminWba: Experience with poor Eredivisie clubs not that convinced maybe better pedigree then Raphael Wicky #wba

@LiamIson4: I’ll be honest I’ve never heard of him #wba

@grahamsilk: Not for me to question a guy with Nestor’s experience but his management cv is “interesting”. An assistant to Ten Haag at Man U. Perhaps good but 9 jobs in 15 years never more than 3 at one club (as an assistant) and many only for one year.

@P4ulG87: If he is on the list along with Wicky and Fischer then purely based on past achievements, the standout candidate is surely Fischer. However, I’m willing to give any new man the opportunity to prove they’re the right person. Whenever joins, they will need our backing from the off #WBA

@wbaa_j: fuck this guy. cant even workout what they was trying for at united. no thenks

@danwba_: Not sure an ex assistant is what we need at the moment.

@neilololol: totally fine with our next boss being someone a bit leftfield, but don’t let it be this fella please. shite record with shite dutch clubs and then worked under that deluded clown ten hag. move along. #wba