---
title: "Rangers: Key figure defends Ianis Hagi"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/rangers-gers-ianis-hagi-ibrox-gerrard-stoichita-romania/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "jonathan radcliffe"
section: "Features"
published: "2020-11-13T17:00:10Z"
modified: "2020-11-13T17:00:10Z"
---

# Rangers: Key figure defends Ianis Hagi

**Romania FA technical director Mihai Stoichita says that people are “trying to destroy” Glasgow Rangers midfielder Ianis Hagi.**

### **Hagi under fire**

Hagi recently [criticised](https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/echipa-nationala/ianis-hagi-reactie-stranie-supararea-este-mare-nu-vreau-sa-spun-vreo-prostie-ce-nu-merge-la-tactica-lui-radoi-926067) national team manager Mirel Radoi, and as a result he was [demoted](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/rangers-fc-news/rangers-ianis-hagi-romania-gers-ibrox-gerrard/#:~:text=Glasgow%20Rangers%20midfielder%20Ianis%20Hagi,for%20the%20upcoming%20international%20break.) to the country’s U21 set-up after being a regular fixture for the senior side.

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Stoichita has leapt to the defence of the 22-year-old. He [said](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/6272831/romania-chief-destroy-rangers-hagi/):

> *“They are trying to destroy Ianis Hagi. It hurts a lot, we give our value players such a hard upbringing.*
>
> *“We venerate them for some performances a year ago, we glorify them, and then, at the same time, we try to destroy them in two matches. You can’t do that!”*

### **Difficult period**

This has been a difficult period for Hagi, both at club and international level. He has proven himself to be an important first-team member at Ibrox, managing [eight](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ianis-hagi/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/282076/plus/0?saison=2020&verein=&liga=&wettbewerb=&pos=&trainer_id=) assists in 16 matches in all competitions under Steven Gerrard this term, but he has started just one of the last six matches for the 54-time Scottish champions in the Premiership.

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Now, he is playing at a level which is arguably below him for Romania. Currently valued at [£4.05m](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ianis-hagi/marktwertverlauf/spieler/282076) (Transfermarkt), Hagi has the weight of his father’s name on his shoulders. Gheorghe, after all, is the greatest Romanian player of all time. Hopefully that is not becoming too much of a burden for the youngster.

***In other news, [Rangers fans are disgusted with this latest Castore development.](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/rangers-fc-news/rangers-gers-castore-ibrox-hoodie/)***