Barcelona defender Jordi Alba admits defeat to Real Betis is a setback.

However, he refused to be too downhearted and also looked for the positives after Barça's first defeat under their new coach in four games.

"We have to improve a lot," Alba told Movistar. "Betis are a direct rival and we weren't able to (win the game). We have a really important game ahead of us now (Bayern Munich) and we have to improve.

"If we were top I would also tell you that we have to improve. We have to be more patient with the ball in the opposition's half. We're seeing good things but it's clear we must improve.

"Barcelona are always obliged to win. Especially at home. We are not doing it. We're also struggling to win away from home.

"But I am convinced that we're going to turn it around because we're working well. We're taking on new concepts. But this is a step back because it's a defeat to a direct rival."