Ianis Hagi Given Chance to Kickstart Season Against Betis
Romanian midfielder Ianis Hagi will be handed a start by Alaves coach Luis Garcia Plaza during their Spanish Cup match against Real Betis on Saturday.
Hagi has struggled for playing time and production since joining the club on loan from Rangers. But after an underwhelming first half of the season for Alaves, Plaza hopes Hagi can provide a spark.
“It’s time for Ianis to take a step forward,” Plaza stated. “I want to see him, I like to start with him.”
Hagi arrived at Alaves with high expectations after impressing with Rangers in Scotland. However, the creative attacking midfielder has battled injuries and yet to open his goalscoring account in Spain.
Plaza cited frank discussions with Hagi about improving his impact when featured off the bench. The manager now aims to build up Hagi’s confidence with this start against top flight opposition in Betis.
Earning a result against a talented Betis side won’t come easily. But Plaza believes shaking up his selections is necessary after Alaves spent the first half of the La Liga season languishing near the bottom of the table.
