Barcelona defender Gerard Pique says it was the right decision to drop Ousmane Dembele for defeat to Real Betis.

After the 3-4 loss, Pique was asked about the young Frenchman's omission from the squad.

"It's a strategic decision but we're all here to help him out," the centre-back said.

"He's young and got a lot of potential and I'm sure that [Ernesto Valverde] has only left him out to work on other areas of his game.

"We've all been young and made errors, so from our experience we've got to help him realise that football is a 24 hour a day game - you've got to live and breath it."

Pique had no doubt in Dembele's ability to be able to show what he's worth, after joining Barcelona for a substantial transfer fee.

"I've got no doubt that he's going to improve and the coach's decisions will also help him."