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Ernesto Valverde: 'Barcelona do not need to alter tactics'

Valverde: 'Barca don't need to alter tactics'
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Ernesto Valverde says that "things are going to be very similar" in terms of tactics, despite the arrival of Philippe Coutinho and the return of Ousmane Dembele.

Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has insisted that he does not have to change formation to accommodate club-record signing Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazilian playmaker must wait to make his debut for the Catalan giants, having been ruled out until early February with a minor injury following his £142m arrival from Liverpool.

Valverde now has some time to consider how he will shoehorn Coutinho into his side, while previous record purchase Ousmane Dembele is also back in contention after a three-month layoff, and the Spanish coach does not expect to tinker with his tactics.

"Coutinho can't play yet, Dembele can play on both sides, but regardless of small changes things are going to be very similar," he told reporters.

"Coutinho is a player we think can help us. Each player is different and brings something new. He scores, he can shoot. He can play inside or outside and we hope he can contribute and help us to be better.

"It's a coach's job to speak about his team. We're competitive, in three competitions, at the greatest club in the world. We're always trying to win and make our fans happy. We think our players are the best, that's the way it is."

Barca return to action on Thursday evening with a Copa del Rey last-16 tie against Celta Vigo, with the score locked at 1-1 following last week's first leg at Balaidos.

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Roberto Firmino celebrates scoring with Philippe Coutinho during the Premier League game between West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool on April 16, 2017
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15AlavesAlaves134181422-813
16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97


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