Mingueza talks Xavi, Ronald Koeman, and Barcelona exit following Celta Vigo move

Speaking in an interview with Cadena SER, Oscar Mingueza has opened up on his decision to leave Barcelona to join Celta Vigo in the current transfer window.

The 23-year-old La Masia graduate left the Blaugrana to join the Galician outfit earlier this month after he was told that he was no longer a major part of the manager Xavi Hernandez’s plans going forward.

Reflecting on his time at Camp Nou, Mingueza admitted that he did not make the most of his chances early in Xavi’s tenure, following which he eventually ended up falling out of favour under the Barça head coach.

“Xavi came to Barça and told us what he wanted. When I had the chance, I didn’t have my best games. If a coach doesn’t like you, it’s difficult for you to get minutes,” Mingueza said.

The defender then revealed the details of the conversation he had with the coaching staff as they informed him about his reduced role moving forward, which prompted him to leave the club.

“When they told me that if I stayed at Barcelona I would have few minutes, my decision to leave was clear. I had always dreamed of succeeding at Barça, but if I had to leave it wouldn’t be a problem for me,” he stated.

Mingueza also insisted that he had given his best in the two seasons he had played with the senior team, admitting that he had done particularly well when Ronald Koeman was in charge of the team.

“I think I had a good season under Koeman. I always gave my best during the two years I was in the first team,” the Spanish defender exclaimed.

Talking about the circumstances of his exit, Mingueza added: “I had no problem leaving Barça. It may sound unfair for us as players, but it’s Barcelona.

“If you play there, even if you’re young, you have to give your best and it’s not enough just to win. You have to be very good. I understood the club’s position.”

Asked if he was thinking about a potential return to Barcelona in the future, Mingueza replied: “Now I’m only focused on Celta and the start of La Liga.”

However, he did admit that he was looking forward to playing at Camp Nou in the upcoming season, saying: “When I play at the Camp Nou this season it will be a nice feeling, coming back to my city. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Mingueza left Barcelona after making 66 first-team appearances in which he scored two and assisted five goals. He has signed a four-year contract with Celta Vigo.