Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert has admitted that the team did not play at their best during Sunday's win over Southampton.
The Reds were made to work against the Saints at Anfield, but Daniel Sturridge's late goal saw them claim a 2-1 victory in their opening match of the season.
Despite Liverpool putting in an underwhelming performance against Lambert's former club, the England international insists that getting the win was the most important thing for his new team.
"I don't think we played badly, I just don't think it was as fluid as Liverpool can play," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.
"It was a really hard game and it was a great three points. The first game is always nervous, you are never quite as sharp as you want to be.
"The first game everyone is excited and desperate to win and you are not sure how you are going to play and the quicker you can get that win the better."
Liverpool continue their Premier League campaign next Monday when they travel to champions Manchester City.
