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.

Victor Valdes to Miss World Cup

Barcelona first choice goalkeeper, Victor Valdes, has been ruled out of the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil - after being ruled out of action for seven months, following a knee injury.

The Spain international has been in good form for the Catalans this season, but he suffered a cruciate ligament injury after a routine save in a La Liga game against Celta Vigo.

And after he was operated upon, the Club website has confirmed that the prolific shot-stopper will be out for approximately seven months - and as a result, would miss the World Cup.