Weight of family name isn’t a burden, says Laszlo

CSABA LASZLO is adamant ‘born leader’ Ianis Hagi has already shown he can overcome his greatest challenge — the name on his back.

And the former Hearts and

Dundee United manager has no doubt the precocious playmaker will relish the onerous task of firing Rangers to the Premiership title.

Laszlo’s most recent position was as head coach of Romanian top-flight outfit Sepsi OSK and he was dazzled by the direct running and eye for goal of Hagi, who was shining with their rivals, Viitorul Constanta.

Hagi’s performances for Viitorul — owned and coached by his iconic father Gheorghe — earned him a €4million move to KRC Genk last summer, which has ultimately fallen flat, allowing Rangers to secure his services on loan.

But, despite a forgettable stint in Belgium, Laszlo is adamant Hagi has already proven he has the character and quality to handle the inevitable comparisons with his dad.

‘The biggest problem that Ianis had to face was his name,’ recalled Laszlo, who was born in Romania. ‘Hagi is the best player Romania ever produced.

‘So, of course, it is difficult, with people waiting for him to become his father. That is big pressure. But he has handled everything.

‘He has been a leader at club level, and a leader when he stepped up to the full Romania national team. You cannot teach that — you are either born a leader or you are not.’

Laszlo was steadfast in his belief that Hagi can also be the x-factor in a fraught fight for the Premiership title once he comes to terms with the physicality of the SPFL.

‘Rangers is a good club for him. They are trying to play attractive, passing football and that will suit him — you do not take Ianis Hagi to chase long balls,’ said Laszlo.

‘Steven Gerrard has a lot of tactical knowledge and will use him the right way. He is capable of being the player who makes a difference in the fight for the title,

100 per cent.’