Luis Enrique hails 'complete' performance as Barcelona vanquish Athletic Bilbao

Luis Enrique says Barcelona are at a "very high level" after opening the defence of their La Liga crown with a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao.

A sublime second-half effort from Luis Suarez gave the Catalan giants a hard-fought three points at San Mames after Lionel Messi had a penalty saved just after the half-hour mark.

Barcelona gained a measure of revenge with the victory after they were humbled 5-1 on aggregate by the same opponents in the Spanish Super Cup just days earlier, and Enrique was thrilled with the performance of his team.

"We've started the season at a very high level. It was a really complete performance," Spanish newspaper Marca quoted Enrique as saying.

"I'd said that the circumstances would be very different to the ones in the Spanish Super Cup and that's how it turned out.

"We stopped Athletic from threatening much and created a lot more chances than them, although we were edgy at the end because of the narrow lead."

Enrique reserved special praise for young midfielder Sergi Roberto, who filled in at right-back after Dani Alves hobbled off with an injury in the first half, while Sergio Busquets was also forced off with a knock.

"The full-backs are very important for the team and I'm very happy with both of them, particularly Sergi Roberto, who had to come on unexpectedly," he said.

"The injuries (to Alves and Busquets) don't seem serious and these things come with the territory in football.

"It's a very physically demanding sport and when you have such tough games early on, it's normal [for players to pick up injuries]," he added.

Neymar rumours

The former Roma boss was tight-lipped on rumours linking Neymar with Manchester United, who are reportedly keen on pushing through a move for the Brazil captain before the transfer window shuts in one week's time, according to the Guardian.

"Talking about Neymar and other clubs doesn't interest me. I don't talk about rumours," he was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.

"I focus on what happens in my team."