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Luis Enrique blasts Barcelona hierarchy for departure of Dani Alves and says he wants Javier Mascherano and Arda Turan to stay

Barca coach aims shots at club president Josep Maria Bartomeu who allowed Brazilian star to leave for free

Luis Enrique, Alves, Mascherano, Turan and Josep Maria Bartomeu

BARCELONA manager Luis Enrique has launched a stunning attack on the club's hierarchy after openly questioning the transfer policy during a press conference.

Enrique, who won the treble in his first season at the Nou Camp and the double last season, was clearly unhappy with decisions made by those above him.

Luis Enrique
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Luis Enrique has seemingly criticised decisions made by the Barcelona hierarchyCredit: Reuters
Josep Bartomeu sent a party out to Brazil to convince Neymar to sign the new deal
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Josep Maria Bartomeu allowed Dani Alves to leave and is yet to sort out the futures of Arda Turan and Javier MascheranoCredit: AP:Associated Press
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Alves left on a free to Juventus after eight brilliant years at the Nou CampCredit: Instagram @juventus

The 46-year-old, who also won two Spanish titles, the Copa del Rey twice and the Cup Winners' Cup as a

Barca player, was clearly unimpressed with several key decisions.

His main contention was in allowing Brazilian right-back Dani Alves to leave on a free for Juventus after eight brilliant years at the Nou Camp.

Enrique said: "That was the first news that surprised me in the summer.

"I wish the best for Dani Alves, a unique, special and different player, a 100 per cent professional.

"He gave everything at the club and joined in everything. He was exemplary. I think Juventus have strengthened well.

"You remember that before we had thought Daniel renew the option that was and why we signed Aleix [Vidal]."

Alves played 48 matches in all competitions last season, compared to Aleix, who managed just 14.

The Spaniard will likely start the season as first-choice, although Lucas Digne was also signed from Paris Saint-Germain after an impressive season on loan at Roma.

The coach added that he may have to change his style of play without Alves to overlap.

Enrique also took the opportunity to remind Bartomeu that he wants to keep a pair of players who have been linked with leaving the club this summer - Arda Turan and Javier Mascherano.

Arda Turan struggled to make an impact at Barcelona making just 11 appearances
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 Arda Turan has been linked with a move to Arsenal or ChelseaCredit: Demotix Images
Javier Mascherano
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Javier Mascherano is seeking a new contract and has been linked to Juventus

Turan has been linked with a move to Arsenal and Chelsea while Mascherano is seeking an improved contract and has been linked with Juventus.

"I am very happy with Arda Turan's performance," added Enrique.

"Taking into account the situations of how he came [the transfer embargo] I appreciate it.

"Arda is special on and off the pitch. Remember the first year of [Michael] Laudrup at Barca, Luis Suarez. Players are not machines. They have to find their place.

"It is possible that in its first year he has added more inside than [what can be seen] outside. I have no doubt that Arda continue here. I want him to continue here.

"We have won titles. That will raise the level and I'm sure it's a matter of time."

Pedro admits that it would be a 'very big loss' for Chelsea if Costa packs his bags for Spain
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Enrique hinted that a deal for Chelsea winger Pedro may still be possibleCredit: Getty

On Mascherano, he said: "I take this opportunity to say that I hope the club renew his contract.

"I hope and wish, as there [are current negotiations] with Mascherano, that [they come to a resolution]."

Enrique also said that he was on the look out for another forward, but at the moment there are no obvious options - youngster Sergi Samper could see more game time.

"We looked for a striker, but if there is no option on the market we can sign someone else."

Enrique also hinted that the return of winger Pedro from Chelsea remains a possibility.

"If [the hierarchy] pay the clause... then we can negotiate."

Lionel Messi
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Lionel Messi has endured a horrible summerCredit: AP:Associated Press

The coach also spoke on what has been a tough summer for star man Lionel Messi, who missed a penalty in the final of the Copa America, retired from international football and was then sentenced to 21 months in jail for tax fraud.

"He [retired] at a difficult time.

"Time will tell whether or not [he will follow through with it].

"As a fan I would like to see him play with Argentina. As Barca coach I am open to any possibility."

He added: "Leo Messi will come as [prepared as he] has always been. He will have a longer vacation but I have no doubt that he will [return ready].

"I have zero worries about the Messi situation.

Barcelona will net almost £30million from new deal
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Enrique is confident Messi will return and be his usual self next seasonCredit: Getty Images

"I wish he would have won the Copa America but football teaches you that if you do everything right and you deserve sometimes do not get the goal.

"Football gives rise to speculation thousand.

"I think Messi's [performance will be] in line with previous seasons."

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