Barcelona plans 'extensive refurbishment' of roster - 7M sport

Barcelona plans 'extensive refurbishment' of roster



Posted Sunday, April 20, 2014 by YAHOO Sport

Josep Maria Bartomeu has revealed plans for "extensive refurbishment" at Barcelona after a season of strife in Catalonia.

Gerardo Martino replaced Tito Vilanova on a two-year deal in June but has seen his side knocked out of the quarterfinals of the Champions League and beaten in the final of the Copa del Rey over the last two weeks.

Barca is also seven points adrift of Liga leader Atletico Madrid with just five games remaining, though it does have a game in hand over its title rival.

Troubles off the pitch have also tainted the club's image. The investigation into Neymar's transfer resulted in the resignation of president Sandro Rosell and a transfer ban preventing the club from buying players until the summer of 2015, following a breach of regulations involving the signing of minors, has added to its woes.

But, Bartomeu, who has since replaced Rosell at the Barcelona helm, maintains the club will look to rebuild over the summer as it seeks to overturn the ruling.

He told Gol Gol: "We will talk about changes that need to occur as we look towards next year. We have spoken and planned for the future for many weeks, but we cannot announce anything yet as we are still in competition. What I will say, though, is that while there will be extensive change, there will not be a revolution on the scale we saw under Joan Laporta.

"Andoni Zubizarretta will lead an extensive refurbishment that we hope to accomplish.  Many decisions have already been made and he will announce them. We have worked hard and well."



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