Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has defended Arda Turan in his Champions League quarter-final second-leg clash pre-match press conference ahead of the Atletico Madrid clash.

“Being criticised is part of football but I am very happy with Arda and the passion he shows,” Enrique said.

“He always works hard in training and to pin blame on a few poor results on just a few players is wrong everybody needs to take responsibility.”

Turan has come under fire recently following recent Barcelona defeats but it is a little unfair to blame the Turkish international midfielder for the losses against Real Madrid and Real Sociedad.

Chelsea are reported to be interested in Turan after new boss Antonio Conte reportedly expressed an interest. TalkSport reported that the former Juventus manager is already making preparations for next season and has placed the Turkish international on his transfer shortlist.

The bearded winger missed the first six-months of the season due to the Barcelona transfer ban and has only played for his new club since January.

Turan has two goals and four assists since making his debut against Espanyol at the start of the year. The 29-year-old also has the highest pass accuracy in his team – 92 percent.

The Barca midfielder has been included in the 19-man squad against his former side Atleti today and could end up starting. The reigning Champions League title holders won the first leg 2-1 and a draw would be enough to take them through.

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