Barcelona manager Luis Enrique admitted after Sunday's friendly defeat to Fiorentina that "we are not so good" while his players are still trying to regain top form.
With Neymar and Lionel Messi still missing after their participation in the Copa America earlier this summer, Barcelona wrapped up play in the International Champions Cup with a 1-0 defeat in Florence.
Barcelona failed to really shine without their stars in the preseason tournament, losing to Manchester United as well as Chelsea on penalties after an opening win against the LA Galaxy.
Luis Enrique acknowledged the difficulties his side faced this summer but said he won't judge his team's progress before the UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla on Aug. 11.
"[The defeat] has to serve as a stimulus for the team," the coach said. "We are very good if we are at 100 percent but if we are not then we are not so good.
"When an opponent gets the better of you in a game, normally they close off the space inside and force you wide. We worked that situation well and we were able to get into their box. We just needed to score.
"When the game finishes at the Super Cup we will know whether we were in good shape for the match. At the moment we are in preseason and it would be dangerous for the players to be at 100 percent. That is not our objective at the moment, it needs to be progressive."
Luis Enrique also said his team "have to improve in defensive areas" after failing to keep a clean sheet yet this summer. On Sunday, Federico Bernardeschi scored twice to spot Fiorentina to a two-goal lead inside 12 minutes.
"Fiorentina kept the ball well and they have potential," Luis Enrique said. "There are plenty of aspects of the game that I liked. We lacked effectiveness in front of goal but we did create a host of chances."
Ivan Rakitic, who supplied a brilliant volleyed assist to put Luis Suarez through on goal, also looked on the bright side after the loss.
"The team always wants to win but in general we worked hard," Rakitic said. "We could have scored three but it's better to miss today than in important games."
Andres Iniesta came off earlier than expected at half-time, but Luis Enrique downplayed any injury concerns for his midfielder.
"Iniesta came off because he had a slight problem and the doctors will tell us what it is, even though it is nothing serious," Luis Enrique said.