Vilanova scoffs at rift rumours

Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova has denied reports there is a rift between star duo Lionel Messi and David Villa.

The pair were involved in a heated argument during Barca’s 2-1 loss to Celtic in midweek, and some have suggested the relationship between the players is damaged beyond repair.

Vilanova, however, accused the media of blowing up a simple argument – which he believes is normal for every team – into a big scandal.

“I know there are people who search and dig things up. Carry on and you’ll probably stumble upon something,” the coach said sarcastically at a press conference.

“What I know is that their relationship I see everyday between them is normal. They get on well, they do not need to show it in public. Things happen on the pitch in all teams.”

Vilanova discussed his team’s defeat at the hands of Celtic, and said they will be reluctant to change their game philosophy.

“Celtic are not the first team to beat us using the method they did,” he said.

“Occasionally, it can work for opposing teams but you have to remember that 90 per cent of the time we have won those games.”