MX23RW : Thursday, March 20 05:43:38| >> :120:32019:32019:

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.

ID:352770: cacheID:352770:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2334:
Written by
Matt Law
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona players celebrate Ousmane Dembele's goal against Leganes in La Liga on January 20, 2019.
Read Next:
How Barcelona could line up against Rayo
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona27193575274860
2Real Madrid28186459273260
3Atletico MadridAtletico28168446222456
4Athletic Bilbao281410446242252
5Villarreal27128749381144
6Real BetisBetis2812883835344
7Mallorca28117102834-640
8Celta Vigo28116114141039
9Rayo Vallecano2891093131037
10Getafe2899102523236
11Sevilla2899103237-536
12Real Sociedad28105132530-535
13GironaGirona2897123641-534
14Osasuna2771283339-633
15Espanyol2777132639-1328
16Valencia28610123146-1528
17AlavesAlaves2869133242-1027
18Leganes2869132643-1727
19Las PalmasLas Palmas2867153247-1525
20Real ValladolidValladolid2844201863-4516


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!