Luis Enrique: ‘All the Barcelona players have the desire and hunger to be first’ again

Barcelona secure hard-fought 1-0 win away to Athletic Bilbao, with Luis Enrique still to welcome the likes of Neymar and injured captain Andres Iniesta back to his squad.

Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic, right, heads the ball to goal beside Athletic Bilbao's Mikel Balenziaga, during the Primera Liga match at San Mames in Bilbao, northern Spain, Sunday, August 28, 2016. AlvaroShow more

BARCELONA // Barcelona manager Luis Enrique highlighted the hunger of his squad not to be ousted by Real Madrid as Spanish champions after a hard-fought 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao maintained their perfect start to the season.

The Catalans had to win their final five league games of last season to stave off Madrid’s late charge and claim a fifth title in seven seasons.

“It is a start to the season very like how we ended last season. All the players are involved, all the players have the desire and hunger to be first,” Enrique said.

See also:

• Pictures: Lionel Messi's Barcelona saved by Ivan Rakitic's header to maintain 100 per cent start to Primera Liga

• Pictures: Jasper Cillessen introduced at Barcelona

• Claudio Bravo signs on at Man City: 'The opportunity to work with Pep Guardiola was too good to refuse'

Four wins to start the new campaign, including two in the Spanish Super Cup over Sevilla, have come about despite the absence of Neymar due to his participation in the Olympics and injured captain Andres Iniesta.

“We still have players to come back, players that have suffered injuries in pre-season, but we have a great squad and everyone is desperate to compete,” Enrique said.

One area of competition within the squad was eased this week as Claudio Bravo signed for Manchester City, clearing the way for Marc-Andre ter Stegen to become Barca's undisputed No 1 goalkeeper.

Bravo and Ter Stegen have shared duties over the past two seasons with the former playing in Primera Liga, while the German featured in the Uefa Champions League and Copa del Rey.

Ter Stegen’s passing style from the back was in full evidence as he completed a Liga record 51 passes for a goalkeeper, but also nearly cost Barca the opening goal with a poor clearance.

However, Enrique described his goalkeeper as being a “good German” for his calmness under pressure.

“Ter Stegen has cold blood, he is German and I think he is a good German.

“He is very able because of the quality he possesses.”

Ter Stegen was constantly pressed by the Athletic front line, but believes he will only improve after his first appearance of the season due to a knee injury.

“Here it is always difficult to play short passes out from the back,” he said.

“For me it was the first game and after an injury it is always a bit more difficult.

“In the coming games I think I will have more confidence in the things I do and with the knee.”

Dutch goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen joined from Ajax in midweek to replace Bravo and Ter Stegen expects competition from he and perennial third choice Jordi Masip for his place in the side.

“We have good competition which is very good for all three of us. I hope everything is loyal and we can fight for our place as it should be.”

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