Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara says the spat between Lionel Messi and David Villa against Granada was not even an argument.
The pair had several words after Messi appeared to become annoyed at Villa’s inability to lay a ball off to him, but Thiago insisted it is something that happens regularly and shows the passion to win both players possess.
“It’s something normal that happens in football and in no way was it an argument,” he told a Press conference on Monday.
Over a supposed lack of respect shown by Messi to El Guaje, Thiago dismissed the idea.
“It is not who you are or how long you have been in the game. It has been magnified and wasn’t even a scuffle. It just shows the ambition of the players to continue improving.
“Everyone wants to improve and that’s normal. We are playing football and passions are high. There are 90,000 people inside the Camp Nou and you have to yell, “ he explained.
The 21-year-old has overcome his recent injury problems and feels he is nearing something like his best.
“I feel good. I’ve made a good recovery both physically and mentally and am slowly getting back the form I showed before, although I can only do this by playing matches.
“All this time I’ve not had to sacrifice anything in my attacking game and I’m privileged. The only sacrifice I made over the summer was to miss the Olympic Games and Euro 2012.”
Analysing Barca’s start to the season, where the team has experienced defensive problems at times, Thiago maintains that things will get better.
“It’s not a worry but we need to improve and carry on with the dynamic we have. It’s important to win games and take the points.
“We are now taking shape and what we want is to be in a good position at the end of the season.”
Thiago also had words of advice for Andreu Fontas and Giovani dos Santos, who have not figured in boss Tito Vilanova’s plans this season.
“The only thing I can tell them is to work hard and keep trying to improve. As for whether they should be selected, I don’t want to go there,” he concluded.
