Luis Enrique: We were brave and effective

FC Barcelona kicked off the league season with a resounding 6-2 victory over Real Betis on Saturday at the Camp Nou.

Arda Turan opened the scoring after six minutes, before Leo Messi with two and Luis Suarez with a hat-trick sealed a big win.

Luis Enrique was delighted to see his players turn in such a good performance in the very first game of the season. Here is what the manager had to say:

“The players were very motivated, and very active both in attack and defence. We were brave and very effective. A complete game.”

"I congratulate the 300 members of the new supporters’ section, they gave the impression that there were many more. We must strengthen this section as the team will benefit from this atmosphere.”

“Arda has a lot of quality and can perform in the two positions, both as an inside midfielder and as a forward. And, on top of that, he scores goals. He is more integrated and happy.”

“Sergi Roberto, down the same flank as always, very attentive in the defensive aspect of his game, and showed good anticipation. In attack, he was very good, looking for space and creating chances.”

“Being in my third year, there are some things that you just cannot explain to the veterans. And the new players have arrived with a lot of enthusiasm.”

"Throughout the season, the level of demand will be at the maximum, we must all be 100 per cent."

“Messi was at an extraordinary level, as always. Luis Suarez also, both in attack and defence.”

“Any player that can improve the squad, which is not easy, the club will be open to the possibility of bringing him in.”

Initial agreement for the sale of Claudio Bravo

Technical secretary Robert Fernández spoke about an initial agreement between FC Barcelona and Manchester City for the transfer of Claudio Bravo.

“We expect developments this week,” said Robert. "We had been looking at extending Bravo’s deal for some time, but an offer arrived that he wanted to strongly consider.”