Philippe Clement and Ianis Hagi have settled their differences at Rangers. Credit: Imago

Gheorghe Hagi avoids Philippe Clement conflict after 'difficult' Rangers saga

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

12 Jan 2025, 5:10 am

Gheorghe Hagi avoided confronting Philippe Clement about his son's "extremely difficult" period at Rangers recently.

The young Hagi was frozen out of the Gers squad after returning from his season-long loan at Deportivo Alaves, with disputes over the financial-related clauses in his contract at Ibrox.

Since then, however, the 26-year-old has become an important part of Clement's squad, scoring once and assisting four more in 11 Scottish Premiership appearances, including the opener in the 3-0 win over Celtic.

Speaking via the Fotbal Club show, quoted by DigiSport [11 January], the Romania legend said: "I didn't want to disturb Clement. I just wanted to stay with Ianis. I'm not angry with anyone.

"Their relationship (Clement and Ianis) has improved, and things look very good now. Ianis proved, first of all, that he loves football and that this sport means a lot to him. Last summer was extremely difficult for him and he passed a very difficult exam."

Ianis Hagi comeback tastes sweet at Rangers

Hagi had become a very popular figure at Ibrox before being shipped out on loan by Michael Beale, with the player having to earn his stripes with the Glasgow giants again.

Considering his failed move in La Liga, notching just two assists in 22 league appearances, only eight of which were starts, it is understandable that some supporters were reluctant about his return.

However, having now earned Clement's trust in the first team after a spell with the youth team, the attacking star is slowly becoming too good to drop from the starting XI.

Rangers manager Philippe Clement [Credit: Imago]

With so much speculation around the manager's job at Ibrox, Hagi could end up lasting much longer than the man who kept him out of the senior squad for so long.

Hagi could also be Clement's saviour if he can lead the Gers to some important victories over the next few weeks, but given the current circumstances, it could be too late for the manager.

In other Rangers news, the Gers are running out of time to tie a star down to a new contract - Patrick Stewart must splash the cash.

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Ianis Hagi

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