René Hake's Hearts job prospects, his win ratio, what he wants in Scotland and the Ajax-style tactics
The Dutchman was interviewed by the Edinburgh club this week
‘Who is René Hake?’ A question posed by many Hearts fans in recent days. The Dutchman has been interviewed by Tynecastle officials seeking a new head coach following Derek McInnes’ departure for Rangers. Other candidates are also in talks. It’s all rather hush-hush, but Hake is the bookies’ favourite and carries an interesting CV.
Hearts want to appoint their new figurehead quickly with players due to report to Riccarton next week to begin pre-season preparations. Sporting director Graeme Jones is overseeing the process in collaboration with the club’s recruitment partner, Jamestown Analytics. Hake’s name was one of several that they put forward as a suitable coach for the job in Gorgie.
The 54-year-old is unemployed at the moment after operating alongside some proper Netherlands football icons. Last season, he was Robin van Persie’s assistant at Feyenoord. Previous to that, he was assistant at Manchester United working with his good friend, the former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag, and Ruud van Nistelrooy. Ten Hag and Hake developed a close bond as coaches within the FC Twente youth system more than 20 years ago and remain close confidants.
So, what would Hake bring to Tynecastle, if appointed? His preferred playing style is very similar to the one Ten Hag used at Ajax. The one which took them to within seconds of the Champions League final in 2019. It centres around a 4-3-3 formation, with a strong defence, a technical midfield and forward pace for blistering counter-attacks. He likes a possession-based, attacking approach with a balance between a firm defensive structure and flexibility further forward. Sounds very good - and very Dutch.
There is an emphasis on teamwork and shape and, as such, Hake’s teams are often difficult to break down. He likes all players to fulfil defensive duties when out of possession. Once the ball is recovered, then it’s time to move it quickly and stretch the game by using the wide areas. Wingers - sometimes one, often two - are a feature of the gameplan. They are tasked with exposing opposition full-backs and supplying crosses by playing to their strengths.
Transitions - that modern buzzword in football - are definitely part of Hake’s outlook. He likes his players to sense opportunities for a swift counter-attack and be able to exploit them within seconds. The aim is to expose opponents who themselves have just been attacking. Hake likes promoting youth players given his background, although Hearts’ relationship with Jamestown Analytics would mean he would also be expected to introduce new signings into the first team.
Comparisons between Ajax under Ten Hag and Hake’s own tactics are logical given the close relationship between the two men. The pressing, possession, and ball domination are all key features of their philosophies. Scottish football demands an adaptable approach, however. Playing away at Aberdeen on a Saturday night - which will be the new Hearts manager’s first league assignment - requires a certain grit and physicality as well as technique.
Hake built his reputation in Dutch coaching circles as a hard-working and diligent figure. Those were attributes Ten Hag admired in him when their paths first crossed. Hake gradually became known as a talented youth coach with the ability to develop kids whilst coaching in the youth system at FC Emmen. He progressed to head coach of FC Twente’s under-21s but returned to Emmen as manager in 2010. He then worked as assistant at PEC Zwolle from 2012 until 2015.
He was appointed head coach of FC Twente in 2015 and, despite the club’s financial troubles at the time, his strategic outlook brought some stability to the side. This was the start of Hake establishing himself as a senior manager after those spells as a youth coach and an assistant. He moved on to take charge of SC Cambuur in 2018 in the Eerste Divisie - the Dutch second tier - and took over FC Utrecht’s under-21s the following year before being promoted to head coach of the first team in 2020.
He was named head coach of Go Ahead Eagles in the Dutch top flight in 2022 and quickly instilled a hard-working team ethic. Hake guided them to ninth place in the Dutch Eredivisie, which was their best finish for more than 15 years. United paid a six-figure fee to activate his release clause in summer 2024 when Ten Hag decided he wanted his close friend with him in Manchester. However, he was sacked just a few months later and Hake departed with him before joining Feyenoord last year.
Hake’s background holds appeal with both Jamestown and the Hearts hierarchy. His ability to nurture talent and integrate new players into a playing system makes him an attractive proposition. His prospects of getting the job are fair. He is also available to start work in Edinburgh immediately.
His win ratio as a head coach would need to improve for him to succeed at Tynecastle. At Emmen it was 22 per cent, at Twente 36 per cent, with Cambuur 44 per cent, at Utrecht 40 per cent, and with Go Ahead Eagles 36 per cent. For comparison, Hearts’ win ratio under Derek McInnes last season was 62 per cent. It is a tough act for anyone to follow.
Understandably, Hake sees a prime opportunity in Scotland’s capital city. Hearts will enter the Champions League qualifying rounds next month against Sturm Graz. There are parachutes into the Europa League qualifiers and, thereafter, the Conference League play-off if needed. It is a chance to secure European football through to Christmas, at least. Whoever McInnes’ successor is will inherit a strong squad peppered with internationalists and new signings, with more to arrive.
The Gorgie hierarchy want a new man who can once again oversee a Premiership title challenge. That is no mean feat for any team outside Glasgow. Hake is only one contender for the job, but he is ready to move quickly. Just like he will want his team to do if he is given the nod.