MX23RW : Wednesday, January 1 03:49:58| >> :120:23719:23719:

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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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atletico MadridAtletico18125133122141
2Real Madrid18124241182340
3Barcelona19122551222938
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal188643430430
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad187471613325
8GironaGirona187472625125
9Real BetisBetis186752122-125
10Osasuna186752327-425
11Celta Vigo187382728-124
12Rayo Vallecano185762021-122
13Las PalmasLas Palmas186482327-422
14Sevilla186482027-722
15Leganes184681728-1118
16AlavesAlaves184592130-917
17Getafe183781115-416
18Espanyol1843111630-1415
19Valencia172691626-1012
20Real ValladolidValladolid1833121237-2512


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