Rangers attacking midfielder Ianis Hagi made his debut for Romania in November 2018 and had been a regular for them until two months ago.
Following his country’s 4-0 defeat to Norway in October, the 22-year-old was highly critical about Romania head coach Mirel Rădoi.
Rădoi didn’t include Steven Gerrard’s man for November’s international fixtures and the former Genk player had to settle for time with Romania U21s.
Reports in Romania have suggested there’s a conflict between the Rangers midfielder and his national team manager.
Rădoi, however, has dismissed this suggestion during an interview with PRO TV and sport.ro, and also revealed he’s held talks with Hagi.
“It wasn’t like that, I had a discussion with him immediately. It’s not about apologising, he said his opinion, it wasn’t necessarily an insult to me, he said what he felt. Maybe immediately after the match, upset with the outcome on the table, there were things he felt and said,” Rădoi explained.
“I talked to him, I told him what I did at training sessions and what was the result of the match, but it’s lot to say it’s conflict. I don’t have a conflict with players, let alone with the players I had with [Romania] U21.
“We have experienced memorable moments together, and I am a supporter of Ianis. I don’t think that this is the first time when I am in the situation to ask myself what is going on in the country.
“I am not conflicting, I give any player a second chance, the third will not come. But he [Ianis] does not have the problem of the second chance, it was an unfortunate statement.”
Since October, Hagi has made only one league start and has not featured for Rangers in their last three Europa League matches. According to Playtech, the player is ‘going through a difficult moment of his career’.
Earlier this month, Rădoi admitted he isn’t concerned with Hagi’s situation at the club and stressed the Rangers midfielder will be recalled during the next international break.
“I am not worried about Ianis’ situation. I don’t think it’s going to be like Genk. As far as I know, Steven Gerrard’s word mattered when the transfer was done,” Rădoi told Telekom Sport, as quoted by Playtech.
“Ianis will be in the national team team. I worked with him for 2 years in my youth, I had achievements with him. We will be close!”
