Former Barça Defender Reveals Strained Ties with Xavi: Oscar Mingueza, a former Barcelona defender, has recently shed light on his departure from the club and his relationship with current manager Xavi Hernandez. The 25-year-old La Masia graduate, now playing for Celta Vigo, has become one of the best creators in La Liga this season, boasting an impressive tally of 5 assists. His recent revelations offer insight into the dynamics within one of football’s most prestigious clubs.
Key Takeaways
- Oscar Mingueza left Barcelona due to a strained relationship with Xavi Hernandez
- The defender cited a lack of fit and potential dislike from Xavi as reasons for his departure
- Mingueza has found success at Celta Vigo, becoming one of La Liga’s top creators
- Barcelona is reportedly considering bringing Mingueza back due to his impressive performances
- The upcoming match between Barcelona and Celta Vigo will be a reunion for Mingueza
Former Barça Defender Reveals Strained Ties with Xavi
The Arrival of Xavi
When Xavi Hernandez took over as Barcelona’s head coach, it marked the beginning of the end for Mingueza’s time at the club. The defender candidly stated, “When Xavi arrived, we didn’t fit well. Maybe he just didn’t like me, or whatever it was”. This admission highlights the immediate disconnect between the new manager and the young defender.
Limited Opportunities
Mingueza further revealed that Xavi had informed him he would only play about 10 games under his management. This limited playing time was a stark contrast to the opportunities he had received under the previous coach, Ronald Koeman.
Personal Struggles
While Mingueza acknowledged the role Xavi played in his departure, he also took responsibility for his own mindset at the time. He admitted, “I didn’t have the best mindset in the world, and that’s why I left Barça—to try to regain my motivation and enjoy football again”. This honest self-assessment shows maturity and self-awareness from the young player.
Òscar Mingueza: "When Xavi arrived, we didn’t get along well. He didn’t like me, or whatever it was. He told me I’d play 10 games. I don’t think I had the best mindset either. I trained for the sake of training, played for the sake of playing… That’s why I left Barça." pic.twitter.com/Ox01a73G10
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) November 21, 2024Mingueza’s Success at Celta Vigo
Impressive Performance
Since joining Celta Vigo, Mingueza has experienced a remarkable turnaround in his career. He has become one of the standout performers in La Liga, particularly in terms of creativity. With 5 assists to his name already this season, Mingueza has established himself as one of the league’s best creators.
Potential Barcelona Return?
Interestingly, Mingueza’s impressive form has not gone unnoticed by his former club. Reports suggest that Barcelona is considering the possibility of bringing the defender back. This development adds an intriguing subplot to Mingueza’s career trajectory.
The Upcoming Reunion
The football world will be watching closely as Barcelona and Celta Vigo are set to face each other in their next La Liga encounter. This match will serve as a reunion for Mingueza and his former club, adding extra significance to the fixture.
Mingueza’s Comments on Current Barcelona Players
In addition to discussing his own experiences, Mingueza also shared his thoughts on current Barcelona players. He specifically mentioned Raphinha, noting, “The big difference with the current Raphinha is that they don’t change him as quickly as last season, they don’t change him in the 60th minute. That way you play more calmly throughout the game”. This observation provides insight into the changes in player management under Xavi’s leadership.
Final Thoughts
Oscar Mingueza’s revelations about his relationship with Xavi Hernandez and his subsequent departure from Barcelona offer a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of one of football’s giants. His journey from Barcelona outcast to La Liga standout at Celta Vigo is a testament to his resilience and talent.
As you follow Mingueza’s career, remember that success in football often comes from finding the right fit – both in terms of playing style and personal relationships. The upcoming match between Barcelona and Celta Vigo will undoubtedly be one to watch, as it brings together Mingueza’s past and present in what promises to be an emotionally charged encounter.
