Barca must get Puyol’s replacement says Martino

Barcelona coach Tata Martino has come out and said that the club must replace the departing captain Carles Puyol.

The 35 year old this week confirmed that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season and could also retire, although no decision has been made



Speaking at a press conference Martino said,



“Puyol will not be replaced. I’ve only worked with him for seven or eight months but it’s been enough to confirm what I saw from the outside,”



“We haven’t talked about anything for next season. The only change is that with Puyol leaving we need to sign a central defender.



“I thought Puyol would become a coach but he’s told me that he won’t be yet.”



Since making his debut in 1999-2000 Puyol has made close to 600 appearances for the club.