Luis Enrique tells Barcelona superstar to 'f**k off' during loss against Juventus

What’s the story?

Barcelona were completely outclassed by Juventus in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal and the Blaugrana’s manager was particularly frustrated with the performances of Argentine star Javier Mascherano. Mascherano had a tough game as Dybala tormented him throughout the match and the Asturian was more than just ticked off with the Argentine defensive midfielder.

From images and videos in football show Jugones, on Spanish channel La Sexta, it is clear to see and hear the extent of frustration Enrique felt at the 32-year-old Argentine. After a string of poor touches and passes, Mascherano received an earful when he failed to heed his manager’s advice and pass it to Lionel Messi.

Oi! To Leo!" bawled Luis Enrique, before going on when the pass wasn't given: "Madre mía Masche, f*** off!"

In case you didn’t know...

Paulo Dybala gave Mascherano a torrid time

The absence of Sergio Busquets proved to be a huge blow to Barcelona as Enrique was forced to play the 32-year-old Argentine in the defensive midfield position. Mascherano int he last few years has converted himself to a reliable centre-back, but his performance against Juventus in the defensive midfielder’s role left a lot to be desired.

It is safe to say that Sergio Busquets will be reinstated in this all important position for the crucial second leg.

The context

Javier Mascherano was at fault for both of Paulo Dybala’s goals and Luis Enrique was already seething with the Argentine’ performance. After Juventus’ second goal, Enrique was seen muttering to assistant Enzue: "What an embarrassment"

Mascherano completely failed to inspire in the absence of Busquets and Enrique had reached his boiling point before he exploded into a foul-mouthed tirade against the unfortunate Argentine.

What’s next?

With Sergio Busquets expected to return for the second leg, Mascherano can go back to playing his more comfortable role of a centre-back. However, the damage might already be done as coming back from 3 goals down against a defensively solid team like Juventus looks almost impossible.

Author’s take

Football is a game filled with passions and emotions and Enrique in the heat of the moment abused his own player. We should not make too much of an issue out of it as both Mascherano and Enrique themselves would have definitely moved on from this unfortunate incident.