Iniesta optimistic for Barca ahead of new season

Madrid, July 26 (IANS) FC Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta said that he was optimistic his club would improve on last season's disappointing campaign.

Barca have acted quickly this summer to solve the problems which saw them miss out on league, cup and Champions League last campaign, with the arrival of goalkeepers Ter Stegen and Claudio Bravo, midfielder, Ivan Rakitic, defender Jeremy Mathieu and striker Luis Suarez, while Gerard Deulofeu and Rafinha have returned from loan spells, reports Xinhua.

Meanwhile, Luis Enrique has returned to the club to replace Tata Martino as first team coach and promises to play open attacking football.

"Just as every season we are starting from scratch, there have been a lot of changes, but the hopes and desire to have a good season are maximum," Iniesta, who has just returned to training after the World Cup, said Friday.

"The challenge we face is the same as every season. Winning titles and to feel good to face all of the season. We aim to enjoy ourselves again as a team and for the fans to enjoy themselves as well," he added.

However, Iniesta realises that Barca are not alone in adding to their squad as Real Madrid have already added Tony Kroos and James Rodriguez, while league champions Atletico Madrid have brought in Mario Mandzukic, Jan Oblak and left back Siquiera to replace the departed Thibaut Coutois, Diego Costa and Felipe Luis.

"All of the teams make signings and it's obvious that if you don't do that, then it is hard to win. Real Madrid have signed well, Atletico are champions and we are thinking of having a great season from the start."

"We are stronger, because the conviction of every season is to be stronger. Some players come and others go, but the feeling I get is that this year we are stronger than last season to compete," said Iniesta, who welcomed the arrival of the talented but controversial Luis Suarez from Liverpool.

"He is one of the best strikers in the World and he is going to bring us ambition in the moment of scoring goals," he said, before commenting that he would rather not comment on the four month sanction Suarez is currently serving for biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini in the World Cup.