“Don’t want to be in his shoes” – Rangers man in ‘sensitive’ situation, manager has tough decision to make this summer

Last summer, Rangers allowed Ianis Hagi to join Deportivo Alavés on a loan deal, months before Philippe Clement arrived at Ibrox. The attacking midfielder has scored two goals and registered an assist from 22 games this season.

The Rangers man has been restricted to less than 100 minutes from three games in 2024 and there are concerns whether he’ll make it to the Romania squad for the Euros.

Fanatik have talked about the ‘sensitive subject’ around the Ibrox owned player. Former Romania manager Anghel Iordănescu had earlier suggested that Hagi should be left out of the national team squad if his lack of game time doesn’t improve between now and the end of the campaign.

Football agent Victor Becali claims Romania manager Edward Iordănescu has to pick Radu Drăgușin for the European championship, despite his situation at Tottenham Hotspur.

However, when asked if the Rangers player should be left out for the Euros, Becali suggested that the national team manager cannot leave the 25-year-old out if he allows the Spurs man in his squad regardless of his lack of game time.

“If it’s the same for everyone [being selected despite limited game time at club], it can be for him [Hagi] too… If not, he can’t be selective. That one yes, that one no,” he said.

“There have always been problems and there always will be, but the important thing is that we are there, that we qualified. Of course, now the coach’s problems… All coaches, when they arrive and when they settle in, you know what they say… ‘With me, players who don’t play don’t make the squad!’. That’s the selectors’ board.”

Becali further stated that Iordănescu will be subjected to criticism, irrespective of whether or not he picks the Rangers midfielder.

“As it was many times. And it will continue, do you think there will be no criticism of Edi? Now, do you want me to tell you something? You don’t want to be in his shoes when you have to make all these decisions. It’s not easy for him either. Because if he had a large pool of players, he would have plenty to choose from. Unfortunately, we don’t really have much to choose from,” Becali explained.

“We have qualified, now we see what’s next. He’ll be judged for what’s next, they forget that he qualified. And that’s normal.”

Hagi’s deal at Ibrox lasts until 2026 and his current situation at the Spanish club won’t please Philippe Clement’s side.