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La Liga: What Pique said after Barca’s shock loss to Real Betis

Barcelona defender, Gerard Pique admitted his side have a problem with their porous defence after the La Liga leaders were beaten 4-3 at home by Real Betis on Sunday.
The Spanish side conceded four times at the Nou Camp for the first time in over 15 years.
Barca trailed 2-0 at halftime and even though Lionel Messi struck twice on his return from injury and Arturo Vidal also scored for the Catalans, Betis still made history.
They became the first side to beat Barca at the Nou Camp since Alaves in September 2016.
“We know we have a problem and that we are conceding a lot of goals, more than we have conceded for a very long time,” Reuters quoted the Spanish international as telling reporters.
“We will almost never be the team that concedes the fewest goals because of our attacking philosophy, but we know we have to improve.”
Barca still lead the standings and are one point clear of Atletico Madrid, Alaves and Sevilla.
However, they have let in 18 goals in 12 league games, more than 13 teams in La Liga.
“It’s not an individual thing, it’s a group problem. We have to focus on it and work together,” Pique said.
“It’s basic stuff which we know and we have talked about. On Sunday, we faced a very attacking team and we had to take risks.
“I think that, defensively, we all need to improve. Sometimes, we go to press and we don’t all go and that leaves a lot of gaps between the lines and teams create a lot of counter-attacks against us.
“On Sunday, for example, we should have stopped their first goal by committing a foul.”
Barca have dropped points in five of their 12 games this season, four times against sides in the bottom half of the standings.
But Pique said fans should not be concerned by the team’s form.
“It’s true that we are finding it harder to beat teams who, in theory, are smaller than us. But I think it’s something sporadic and won’t happen throughout the season,” he said.
“Our fans can relax, we are top of the league. This year, the level of our opponents has risen, you can no longer win the league with 100 points.
“Teams have bigger budgets, better players and they are more competitive and that’s better for spectators.”

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