Barcelona have come to the end of an era - Mendieta

Former Spain International Gaizka  Mendieta believes Barcelona have come to the end of an era and may have started the rebuilding process too late.

The Catalans handed over their La Liga title to Atletico Madrid after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Nou Camp - and manager Gerardo Tata Martino deemed it right to retire after a rather fruitless season.
And Mendieta said: “For Barca to change they need to get some new players. The cycle is coming to an end.

“I think they should have been trying to sort this a few seasons ago with [new] full-backs and a goalkeeper, knowing that Victor Valdes was not keen to renew his
contract.

“Xavi and Busquets seem to be irreplaceable. Maybe they should have looked at the key positions. Football runs in cycles – AC Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United – the biggest teams in Europe have their moments.

Puyol: We'd die for Coach Martino

Barcelona's Carles Puyol has publicly defended his manager Gerardo 'Tata' Martino - following the Catalans' poor campaign.

Following a change of manager and philosophy, Barca have seen their name criticised on most media stories, due to the player's poor run of form and less competitive spirit this season.

The coach has been heavily criticised for the downfall of his side, but Puyol, who will leave Camp Nou in the summer, has risen to defend his boss.