When Miguel Ibarra reunites with Minnesota United this Saturday for their friendly at Target Field, he is looking for more than a reunion with old friends. He is looking to rediscover the magic that drove him to the US Men’s national team and Liga MX.
Ibarra has struggled for time on the field with his new club, playing only 139 minutes of league play. He has largely figured in the Copa MX squad where he scored three goals. He walked into a bit of a perfect storm of club transition, adapting to a new environment and injuries.
“He’s adapting to his new team and as with anything in this profession it doesn’t go as well as you’d like. But I don’t think it’s been 100% negative.”
When Ibarra was brought to Club León by then-manager Juan Antonio Pizzi, he had a difficult road ahead as with almost all foreign imports to Liga MX. But that road was made rockier when Pizzi decamped León to coach the Chilean national team. Ibarra had to start all over with a new coach, Luis Fernando Tena.
Getting into the team wasn’t easy with a shoulder injury he suffered in the spring. When his shoulder recovered, Ibarra heard his hamstring pop during a scrimmage that put him out before the playoffs.
Minnesota United’s Sporting Director, Manny Lagos, dismisses Ibarra’s struggles for time as common in soccer. “The reality is you go to a new club and they’ve had some turnover in coaching staff and that maybe changes how long you adapt to the environment,” he says. “He’s adapting to his new team and as with anything in this profession it doesn’t go as well as you’d like. But I don’t think it’s been 100% negative.”
Miguel says he has returned from injury, confident and ready to fight for his spot in the side. Tena, he says, has expressed confidence in Ibarra playing a significant role for León in the coming season.
If I come back to the US it’s going to be Minnesota. If there was that opportunity to come back [to the US] I’d come here.”
One source indicated that León might have been shopping Ibarra out to MLS clubs. For his part, though, Minnesota Sporting Director Manny Lagos says he hasn’t heard anything about León looking to offload the winger. When asked if a move back to Minnesota could be on the books, Lagos is diplomatic: “Certainly, we would love to have Miguel on the roster and doing well. The only thing we’ve gotten from the club is that they’re happy with Miguel.”
“There were a few teams asking about signing me,” Ibarra says, “but coach said he wanted me here.” He says that interest came from both Mexican and American clubs. Tena has tried moving Ibarra around the pitch from left wing to right, to defensive midfield and left back.
The good feeling between the player and his former club is mutual. Though Ibarra is determined to succeed in León, he calls Minnesota home. “It feels like I’m back home and it brings me happiness.” And does that mean he could move back to Minnesota United? “Definitely, if I come back to the US it’s going to be Minnesota. If there was that opportunity to come back [to the US] I’d come here.”
Saturday, Miguel will suit up in his green and white for Club León and hope to make an impression during his preseason. When asked if he’s hoping to score a few goals on his old buddies, he says, “that’s the plan, but of course no celebrating.”
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