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Gerard Pique 'asks Philippe Coutinho to switch on'

Pique 'tells Coutinho to switch on'
© Reuters
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique reportedly asked for more focus from Philippe Coutinho during a training session on Friday.

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique reportedly asked for more focus from Philippe Coutinho during the Spanish club's final training session ahead of Saturday's La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano.

Coutinho - a 2018 arrival from Liverpool - has struggled for consistency during the 2018-19 campaign.

The Brazilian has contributed eight goals and five assists in all competitions, but has struck just four times in La Liga, where his performances have largely disappointed.

According to Marca, during Friday's training session Coutinho failed to reach a pass during a drill, which led to teammate Pique shouting: "Come on Phil, you're not plugged in."

Coutinho is widely expected to start the clash with Rayo on the bench as Ousmane Dembele prepares to join Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi in the final third of the field once again.

Ernesto Valverde's side are currently seven points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga, while they are 12 ahead of third-placed Real Madrid.

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Matt Law
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Barcelona players celebrate Ousmane Dembele's goal against Leganes in La Liga on January 20, 2019.
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona17122350193138
2Real Madrid16113234132136
3Atletico MadridAtletico16105130111935
4Athletic Bilbao1795326151132
5Villarreal157532725226
6Real Sociedad167361611524
7Osasuna166642225-324
8Mallorca177371620-424
9GironaGirona166462223-122
10Celta Vigo166372527-221
11Real BetisBetis165651820-221
12Rayo Vallecano155461516-119
13Sevilla165471723-619
14Las PalmasLas Palmas165382227-518
15Getafe163761113-216
16AlavesAlaves164391827-915
17Leganes163671423-915
18Espanyol1541101528-1313
19Valencia142481322-910
20Real ValladolidValladolid1623111134-239


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