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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
1Barcelona14111242142834
2Real Madrid1393128111730
3Atletico MadridAtletico148512181329
4Villarreal137422521425
5Athletic Bilbao146532013723
6Osasuna146441922-322
7GironaGirona146352018221
8Mallorca146351312121
9Real BetisBetis145541616020
10Real Sociedad145361111018
11Celta Vigo145362224-218
12Sevilla145361318-518
13Rayo Vallecano134451314-116
14Leganes143561319-614
15Getafe142751011-113
16AlavesAlaves144191524-913
17Las PalmasLas Palmas143381825-712
18Valencia122461219-710
19Espanyol133191226-1410
20Real ValladolidValladolid142391027-179


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