Oscar Mingueza was one among several youngsters who earned an opportunity at FC Barcelona during the reign of Ronald Koeman.
The versatile Spaniard, though, was unable to nail down a regular berth in the team once Xavi Hernandez took over from the Dutchman.
As such, he ended up joining Celta Vigo in the summer of 2022, where he has developed as a player, with his progress not being lost on Barcelona.
Mingueza recently sat down for an interview with SPORT during which he discussed how his exit from Barcelona came about after honest discussions with Xavi, among several other things.
Talks with Xavi
When asked if leaving Barcelona, his boyhood club, was a hard decision for him, Mingueza said:
“Believe it or not, it is a bit hard because you have been there all your life, playing with the best, but when you have things clear and you know that you have to leave to play, it is not so hard.”
Opening up on his sincere chat with Xavi over his future before leaving for Celta, the 24-year-old defender explained:
“Yes, I spoke to him, I remember there were other people and you think it’s going to stay that way… but well, these are things that happened and that’s it.”
Mingueza further revealed that he had spoken to Xavi since leaving Barcelona while also confirming that he is in touch with a few of his ex-teammates.
“Yes, I spoke to Xavi and his staff in Balaídos, before the game. We wished each other luck. Also with some players. I have contact with Pedri and Iñaki (Peña),” he said.
When asked about what he thought of Xavi as a coach and the manager’s decision to leave Barça at the end of the season, Mingueza replied:
“The team is very well organised, he has a very clear idea and he is a very good coach. It’s very difficult to control and win every game, but to win titles after a time without winning and to have Barça fighting in the Champions League is to return to what everyone wants.
“I think that saying he is leaving has relieved the…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/former-barcelona-defender-talks-xavi-cubarsi-yamal-roque-de-jong-koeman/
Author : Michel Durant
Publish date : 2024-04-03 09:28:43
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