Barca, after surrendering the Spanish title to Real last season, have spent big to land Thierry Henry [Arsenal], Yaya Toure [Monaco], Eric Abidal [Lyon] and Gaby Milito [Zaragoza] this summer.

"The football staff knew they had weaknesses in some areas of the team," said Del Bosque, who is now working as an advisor with Cadiz, "and they have reacted well in strengthening these areas."

Del Bosque also backed Barca's superkids Giovani dos Santos and Bojan Krkic to "have minutes this season because they possess great quality".