Rangers walked away empty-handed after travelling to Kilmarnock. Killie won the game 2-1, completing what would have been a likely shocking comeback.
Many Rangers fans will feel that their team should have done a lot better. One player who fans were critical of was Ianis Hagi. The young Romanian scored during his first league start last week but failed to make an impact on this match.
Some fans don’t necessarily hold him accountable, though. They blame Steven Gerrard for not taking the player off sooner. Many supporters point out that after the 60th minute, Hagi looked done.
Love gerrard but hagi was clearly struggling after the hour mark, seems to lack faith in some players
— Steven Hilston (@StevenHilston) February 12, 2020
Morelos and hagi should have been off at half time
— Chic Allan (@chic_allan) February 12, 2020
Anyone know why Hagi never came out for the 2nd half? Couldn’t see who was brought on to replace him.
— Steven Souness (@StevenSouness) February 12, 2020
In that moment in the game when you can see the opposition getting back into it, that’s when fresh legs are required. Hagi should have been off after an hour. 6 months graft scuppered in 3 weeks again
— . (@MY_MTB1) February 12, 2020
About 20 minutes late
— ???? (@LiamWATP) February 12, 2020
https://twitter.com/NOTELINYI/status/1227705030368800769
Is Gerrard's game management to blame for Rangers' loss?
Yes
No
Others point out that Steven Davis was waiting patiently on the bench, and should have come on for the player much earlier.
Just remembered Davis was on the bench. Game management right there, he should have been on for Kent/Aribo or Hagi when McGregor was getting physio.
— Ken Wad (@KennyWil5on) February 12, 2020
Second half was screaming out for Steven Davis after 60/65 mins
— Tom McDavid (@powerranger1872) February 12, 2020
We signed hagi to be a number 10. Why was he consistently out on the right? Surely he needs to be through the middle? Also at 1-0 up as Kilmarnock got back into it why not bring Davis on for game management? An utter shambles tactically
— Ross (@rfcrossko) February 12, 2020
What do we think?
Hagi was eventually replaced by Gerrard, but only in the 82nd minute for Greg Stewart. By that point, Kilmarnock had already equalised and then went on to score the eventual winner. The reactions above are a clear indication that the Rangers fans are distrustful of Gerrard’s in-game decision making.