Thiago admits surprise at doubters

Barcelona midfielder Thiago has claimed that it is "strange" that the club have attracted criticism this season.

The Catalan club currently lead La Liga with five wins from five matches, and they also won their Champions League opener against Spartak Moscow. Despite those results, the Spanish outfit have been doubted in some sections of the media.

"It's strange that people still have their doubts about the team. We're having a very, very good start. It couldn't be better, between the Liga and Champions League we've won our last six games, and in each one of them we were the superior side," he told the club's official website.

"We're getting into the rhythm of competitive play, the Liga has just started and all the teams are in the same spot we're in. We're on the same level, we simply want to improve so that we can be in a good position by the end of the season."

Thiago has made two appearances for Barcelona this season.