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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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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
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis145541616020
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15Getafe142751011-113
16AlavesAlaves134181422-813
17Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
18Valencia122461219-710
19Espanyol123181122-1110
20Real ValladolidValladolid142391027-179


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