Ernesto Valverde hails "excellent" spirit in Barcelona camp

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has claimed that his side "are programmed to work hard" after maintaining their perfect start to the La Liga campaign with victory over Girona.

The Catalan giants have put a disappointing summer behind them by winning six games from six in the Spanish top flight, while also starting their Champions League campaign with a 3-0 triumph over Barcelona.

Following the heavy two-legged Supercopa de Espana defeat to rivals Real Madrid in August many questioned whether Valverde had what it took to get the best out of his superstar players, but the former Athletic Bilbao chief says that his squad are more than happy to put in a shift.

"The spirit in this team is excellent," he told reporters. "We are trying to be together in both attack and defence. What I most like about this team is that they are programmed to work hard."

Luis Suarez got off the mark with his first league goal of the season in Barca's 3-0 win over Girona on Saturday evening.