LONDON (DF) -- Fresh off a dramatic second half collapse which saw Arsenal turn their Champions League round of 16 tie on its head, Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola refused to blame off field distractions for his side's defensive complacency after the break.
A sparkling attacking display gave Barcelona a deserved lead going into the interval, but Arsenal stormed back to score two goals in five minutes, giving them a slim 2-1 advantage to take to the Nou Camp in three weeks time.
Reports emanating from Spain seemed to suggest Barcelona defender Gerard Pique fielded a phone call during half time from his pop superstar girlfriend Shakira. The reports assert the call contributed to Pique's drop in concentration for both Arsenal goals, and his picking up of a needless yellow card, which will now see him suspended for the second leg.
Similar reports also suggest Barcelona may have taken their foot off the pedal intentionally to win over Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger and prized asset Cesc Fabregas. Barcelona have insisted any deal for Fabregas is "dead in the water," at least for the time being.
Speaking to Spanish media giant Brumoso Periódico, Pep Guardiola refuted claims his team lost their concentration during half time.
"Nothing that has been said happened. We were prepared [for the second half]. My players don't take phone calls during games and we don't think about Cesc anymore."
Brumoso Periódico also quoted an unnamed club source at Barcelona who seemed to contradict Guardiola's version of events. "I saw [Gerard] Pique on the phone. Who he was talking to, I couldn't say."
"I know for a fact we're still after Cesc," the source continued. "Losing to Arsenal this season and making them happy might make them more likely to sell. The further they progress, the more money they make, the less we'll have to pay to buy him in the summer."
"It all makes perfect sense."
