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Pique: Coutinho cost a lot of money so the expectations are higher

  /  autty

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique was happy to score as the Catalans beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0, admitting it was tough to focus with the Champions League around the corner.

"We have had a tough run of games and in theory this was a more manageable one. But with the game on Wednesday ahead of is, it was complicated to play, as happened to us also last year," Pique explained.

"Now, Wednesday's game has our full attention. I'm feeling good. It's all about runs [of form], some are better than others, but the team also helps.

"I feel relaxed, really comfortable and with the possibility of winning three trophies in my head. Now, Wednesday's game is a final and we have to be focused."

With respect to the whistles received by Coutinho from some fans when he was taken off, Pique added: "He's having a good season and maybe the cost of the player has created a lot of expectation, but as his teammates, he has all our support and we need him in this phase of the season."