Coach dismisses talk of a bust-up between Villa and Messi

Barcelona: Tito Vilanova insists too much has been made of a heated on-pitch discussion involving David Villa and Lionel Messi, an instance that occured during Barcelona`s hard-fought 2-0 victory over Granada.

The Catalan side were frustrated for large periods of the game and that appeared to boil over when Villa engaged in a heated debate with his team-mate after Messi failed to pass him the ball. "There is nothing to gather [from what happened between Villa and Messi]," Vilanova stated at his post-match press conference. "Whoever plays football knows discussions are a normality, and part of the game." "Such occurrences are common signs that a team is alive. Not exchanging views for betterment would honestly suggest worse." Messi also appeared on Barca TV to refute suggestions of a bust-up: "Do not look for problems where there are none. Villa and I get along very well, it was just normal banter during games." Barca`s fifth league victory in a row, courtesy of a late Xavi strike and Borja Gomez own-goal, puts the Blaugrana a massive 11 points clear of reigning Liga champions Real Madrid, although Jose Mourinho`s outfit are due to face Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. "What was important was to make it 15 points out of 15," Vilanova continued. "I don`t feel pressure, or any obligations. I knew what would be asked of me from the start, and I dared to try my hand." "The key tonight was scoring the first goal, which helped open up their side. We put in a great performance tonight nevertheless." Goal.com