-snip-
The fact that this is normal for them does not correspond with how they played their first game this season. They won, no doubt about it, but the game itself was not the most exciting; it was difficult for them, and I think they are simply not used to Alonso's style of play and his demands yet. Alonso himself said that this is not a one-year project and that it is not a given that he himself believes in victory in the first season.
Alonso hinted at doubts in his first season, instead of being optimistic about the players he has at his disposal to compete for the title and stop Barcelona. Alonso has a squad have a better squad than Atletico Madrid and Barcelona - but he seems to doubt himself and his squad, even though winning titles is indeed difficult. I don't know why he hesitated and wasn't more optimistic - it certainly wasn't his way of being modest.
Barcelona has improved significantly in recent seasons - but they are still plagued by financial constraints. Barcelona and its players are built on trust and mutual support - the club's interests seem to take precedence over any individual player.