Ianis Hagi proved last night that actions speak louder than words, now he wants his Rangers teammates to show they have the required mentality to push on this season.
The Romanian international netted with around 15 minutes left to play last night, finishing a slick team move in what was a fantastic goal.
The visitors regained the intiative once Hagi was introduced in a triple change, along with Kemar Roofe and Ryan Kent, but the quality was lacking for too long as Rangers left it late, yet again.
Following the thumping win at Motherwell last Sunday, hopes were high that the strong form and domination of that encounter would continue last night, but the Gers were too passive and too loose in their play for up to an hour last night, despite having the better chances in the first half.
Against a limited Brondby side who were energised and backed by an excellent vocal support, the win was there for the taking but Steven Gerrard’s side failed to get their noses in front when the opportunities arose and from there a familiar pattern repeated itself.
With Leon Balogun’s own goal just before the break, they would have to do it the hard way again – this has to change fast and Hagi was adamant that the mentality has to be better in order for his team to turn things around in terms of their overall game.
It all comes down to one thing…
Ibrox ! #UEL #TeamSpirit #AllTogether pic.twitter.com/shOFywgYGR— Ianis Hagi (@IanisHagi10) November 5, 2021
Speaking to BT Sport after the game, the goalscorer stated:
“Our mentality should have been better from the beginning, we are Rangers and we have to come here and win and not wait until the second half to go out and attack.”
“At least we took that point and we have to win the last two games to be in the next round. We wanted to be in a better position come the game with Sparta Prague but we still have to win because the game is at Ibrox.”
“When we step out on the pitch we need to have the mentality to win. We don’t have to wait for the opposition to score before we go out and win.”
“From now on, I hope we score first. The team reacted really well and we came back so you have to give us some credit. We know we are Rangers and we need to do better.”
"Our mentality should have been better from the beginning."
No excuses, Ianis Hagi knows Rangers have underperformed in Europe so far this season.
Impressive accountability from the 23-year-old who secured a point for Steven Gerrard's side in Copenhagen.
🎙 @Sports_EmmaD#UEL pic.twitter.com/2x9h1Jcy9R
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 4, 2021
Ianis Hagi is correct and he clearly led by example in making his chance count but with that responsibility and action comes the need for consistency, something that has also been lacking from him recently.
However, if more of his teammates applied themselves in the way the Romanian does, Rangers wouldn’t be in the state of flux that they are currently in. The run of conceding opening goals has to come to end if they are to truly push on this season, with the aim of retaining the title the most important above all.
Perspective has to come as well – given all the issues facing Steven Gerrard at present, his team lead the Premiership by four points and after this coming international break can secure their first domestic final and qualification for the knockout stages of the Europa League.
Many other managers would be very happy to have such a ‘problem’.