Under fire FC Barcelona head coach Quique Setién has broken silence about the reported Lionel Messi fallout after their latest damaging result in the enthralling LaLiga title race.
Barcelona dropped points in the race against Real Madrid for league honours this season after losing the lead twice in the 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo this weekend - which drew plenty of criticism and speculation around Messi.
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The club captain who is known to hold incredible influence at the Spanish giants was pictured ignoring instructions from Setien's assistant Eder Sarabia, with reports indicating unrest within the squad.
But Setien has played down the notion, despite reports in Spain indicating the Blaugrana hierarchy are planning to sack the Spaniard, who replaced Ernesto Valverde six months ago.
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"In reality, it is true that there are always controversies, as in life, and it is normal that there are differences," Setien said of the Messi incident, as per AS.
"But this has always happened. I was not an easy player either. What we have to try to do is to convince everyone of the common idea. I understand it as something natural. There is good communication. I don't give it any importance."
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On losing ground to fierce rivals Real, who are now two points ahead with six games remaining, the former Real Betis boss remained upbeat about their chances of retaining the league crown.
"When there are no wins and you don't win, everyone gets a point across," he said. "The relationship we have with the staff is good. It is true that at specific moments we do not agree.
"Yesterday we talked about many topics but we focused on the topic of football. We have to improve and do things better.
"The situation we are experiencing, in which we are superior but do not generate goals, frustrates us. But the situations are normal. It is something we can change."