Barcelona boss Luis Enrique insisted his team have still the hunger of champions as he wins 100th game
BARCELONA boss Luis Enrique earned his 100th win in the hot seat, as his side narrowly won 1-0 at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday night.
The Catalan giants had to win their final five league games of last season to stave off Real Madrid's late charge and claim a fifth title in seven seasons.
Ivan Rakitic's 21st-minute header secured the all-important win as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Turan also went close for the champions for Enrique's 100th win in 126 games.
Enrique said: "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.
"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."
Indeed, Barca's perfect start to the season came without Neymar who was on Olympic duties and injured captain Andres Iniesta.
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 number-one goalkeeper.
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Ter Stegen's passing style from the back was in full evidence as he completed a La Liga record 51 passes for a goalkeeper, but also nearly cost Barca the opening goal with a poor clearance.
However, Luis 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 (to play out from the back) because of the quality he possesses."