Taking a gamble on an inexperienced manager whilst precariously hovering above the relegation zone isn’t for everyone and very seldom works out well. Yet for Celta Vigo in March of 2024 – a punt on the energetic mien of Claudio Giraldez was their nectar of choice.
Despite making the second-best start to life in the Vigo dugout since the turn of the 21st century, the decision to roll the dice on the Galicia-born manager amidst their relegation battle was, to say the least, a risky one. Giraldez had never managed above the third tier in his career, cutting his coaching teeth in the Vigo academy prior to taking the senior job.
The string of quick-fix appointments before him made his arrival even more surprising. After the stagnant, short-lived tenures of Rafael Benitez and Carlos Carvalhal, the decision to appoint a youthful, progressive coach felt far removed from the board’s usual playbook.
Le metes 2 goles en 5 minutos al Barça y te pones a pedir calma. Claudio Giráldez me tiene bailando bachata. pic.twitter.com/h3MSEmYPaQ
— Lucas Peteiro (@celtangana_) November 23, 2024
After salvaging a desperate situation last season, steering them towards a mid-table finish and progressing the side further in 2024/25, all whilst finally making Vigo an entertaining outfit – the 36-year-old is primed to steer the ship for years to come.
Despite using a 3-4-3 formation, which can hint towards a negative mindset, Giraldez’s Vigo are a psychedelic, captivating watch. His team aim to progress up the field, wasting as little time as possible. They’re not just fixated on style though. Os Celestes offer substance too, they’re the fourth-best side in La Liga for goals per game (1.5), and rank as the sixth-highest for average possession (54.3%).
Giraldez’s tactical structure is a lot of fun. Their three centre-backs are often a botched mix of full-backs and central defenders, who when building up in the first phase of play create a very deep, wide structure to extend the variety of passing angles. In midfield, their double pivot is systematically suited to cover ground well and arrive in time to connect play. A narrow front three means they attract clusters of opposition defenders, freeing space for overlapping wing-backs.
𝗣𝗢𝗩: te enteras de tu convocatoria con la @SEFutbol 😁
¡Su alegría es la alegria de 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗢𝗦! 😍 pic.twitter.com/mwQlvwF0tN
— RC Celta (@RCCelta) August 30, 2024
One of those playing in those high-octane wide roles is Oscar Mingueza, who despite coming through the ranks at La Masia as a central defender, has undergone a transformation over the past year, with Benitez initially, that metamorphosis has been thrilling under Giraldez. Alongside the Prince of Moana, Iago Aspas, Mingueza has been their best source of creative output on whichever flank his manager thrusts him into.
He perches just below his former club’s dynamite wing pairing Lamine Yamal and Raphinha for assists in the league (5). Mingueza also keeps that third spot for big chances created (9) and expected assists (3.6). Those numbers are exceptional for a wing-back in a mid-table side, but under an ambitious seafarer like Giraldez, the potential is there to squeeze every drop from his players.
Mingueza is just one example of a former La Masia prospect thriving amidst a top-flight revival. Another is Ilaix Moriba, a player who has struggled for consistency and has been difficult for previous managers to fully harness, but finally has some solid footing.
Seguimos adiante, equipo! ⚔️#LALIGAHighlights pic.twitter.com/eXXkAmxfvd
— RC Celta (@RCCelta) November 23, 2024
Leveraging his distinct physical and technical attributes, Moriba sets the pace for a demanding double pivot, often paired with the tidier Hugo Sotelo or Fran Beltran. His physicality allows him to push forward as the furthest midfielder when Vigo win the ball high, jumping to seal off the deepest passing option in the opposition’s midfield. Moriba wins 2.07 tackles per 90 minutes played, placing him within the top 4% of La Liga midfielders.
Sticking with the theme of youngsters flourishing, on the left-hand side, Galicia-born Hugo Alvarez has delivered some of the best performances of his young career. The 21-year-old was one of the players who reunited with Giraldez upon his appointment, having previously worked with him within the Vigo youth set up. The attacking left-sided player has averaged 1.89 successful dribbles per 90 minutes played, which sees him safely into the top 4% of full-backs and wing-backs in the division. Like Mingueza, it’s a position that was not natural until this year.
«Lo mejor de Ilaix Moriba está por llegar». Palabra de Claudio Giráldez, que dice que su día a día es también -en la anterior respuesta lo decía de Damián- «un espectáculo». https://t.co/wcZ33PrjNg pic.twitter.com/0fQoKqbxxI
— Grada de Río (@gradaderio) November 29, 2024
Giraldez’s strong belief in nurturing young talent is evident in his allocation of playing time, with players aged 23 and under being handed a third of the squad’s total minutes. This strategy has driven growth and played a key role in Celta’s remarkable overachievement.
Giraldez is the manager they should invest in money in, and if they can filter him more resources, the future looks promising for an exciting project in Vigo, one capable of filling Balaidos. They made yet another smart choice in October by extending his contract until 2027 – with the adaptability he’s shown, it won’t be long until bigger teams come calling.
