Ronald Koeman praised Barcelona midfielder Nico Gonzalez after defeat to Rayo Vallecano.

The loss on Wednesday night marked Koeman's last in charge before being sacked on Wednesday night.

Of Nico, he said: "Nico played really good, he was strong in the midfield, he was in his best offensive way, he had also a big chance to score in the second half.

"He did a great job.

"He was really tired in the end, but playing at this level in a team that have difficulties is really good."