Luis Enrique keeping quiet over Neymar

Luis Enrique wouldn't take about Neymar's future (Getty Images)
Luis Enrique refused to comment on speculation surrounding Neymar's future after Barcelona began its Primera Division title defence with a 1-0 victory at Athletic Bilbao.

Reports have claimed that the Brazil forward is among Manchester United's transfer targets but the Catalan club's boss wasn't to be drawn on the stories emerging over the weekend that Louis van Gaal wants to sanction a mega move for the Brazil forward.



Uncertainty over Neymar's club future has been making the headlines (AAP)

Ed Woodward was in Barcelona last week and there are suggestions United are trying to force through a deal before the end of the transfer window.

However, Barca boss Luis Enrique said at his post-match press conference: "It doesn't interest me to talk about rumours, nor these types of situations.

"I only want to focus on what's happened to my team."

Lionel Messi missed a first-half penalty but Luis Suarez's 54th-minute volley gave the Spanish and European champion all three points just six days after its opponents had defeated it 5-1 on aggregate in the Super Cup final.

"These games inspire us to win the league," Suarez told Barca's official website.

"We won the game and that's what's important, we had to wait for the [right] moment to create some scoring chances."


Suarez strike wins it for Barcelona
A Luis Suarez volley sealed a 1-0 win for Barcelona at Athletic Bilbao in its La Liga opener as Luis Enrique's side gained a measure of revenge for its 5-1 aggregate loss in the Supercopa de Espana, while Real Madrid was held to a goalless draw by Sporting Gijon.


Barca did, however, lose both Sergio Busquets, who was carried off on a stretcher, and Dani Alves to injury, with its website confirming the players will undergo tests to determine the severity of their injuries on Monday.

"We know we're walking a fine line," added Suarez.

"They're players who add a lot to the team, but we have a match ahead next week and we have quality players that can play in their place."

Sergi Roberto, who replaced Alves after only 19 minutes, added: "It's always tough on this field [but] we got the three points.

"If Dani Alves is out and the coach gives me the opportunity to play at that position I'll play there and try to give my best to help the team beat Malaga, get the three points, and achieve the ultimate goal, which is to win the league."

Luis Enrique bemoaned Barcelona's injury woes after the game.

The Barca coach concerned at a growing casualty list, although it failed to take the gloss of his side's display, signalling out Sergi Roberto, who filled in at right-back in place of Alves, for particular praise.

"We started this season at the same high level as we ended the previous one. We played a very complete game," he said.

"This is a contact sport and we are not having much luck, although they don't appear to be serious injuries, it does take a toll.

"The pre-season obliges us to start competitive football very early and that increases the risk of this happening.

"Sergi Roberto was subbed on very quickly but he played a great game and he was very mature even though he is a midfielder not a fullback.

"Fullbacks are important in our system, so it's good that he got forward and created chances."