Luis Enrique has labelled his own side as favourites for the title, as he prepares for the new La Liga campaign against Athletic Bilbao.
Barcelona won last season's trophy by two points over Real Madrid and went on to win the Champions League.
The Catalan side were looking to make it six out of six trophies in pre-season, as they claimed the UEFA Super Cup from Sevilla but more recently slipped up against Athletic Bibao in the Supercopa de Espana two-legged final.
However, the Spaniard insists that his side are favourites to retain the title and would like to start off the new season by beating Bibao on Sunday.
"It's a long season and it's all about consistency, but starting with a win is always good," Enrique said, according to Goal.com.
"We're the champions and we have to defend our title. We're the favourites just as Atletico [Madrid] were last season. As the year goes on things can change. It will be a competitive league, with three or four teams in with a chance.
"It's been unusual in that we've had to play for two trophies off the back of what we did last season. We're in good condition and are ready to compete. We're excited to play good football and to win trophies."
Enrique could be without Neymar for tomorrow's league opener, who has recently been suffering with mumps.
Sam McEvoy
