Virgil van Dijk confessed that Liverpool allowed Chelsea too much space during the all-English Super Cup clash on Wednesday evening.
Jurgen Klopp 's side have become known for their defensive stability but looked frail at times with Chelsea enjoying spells of control.
Joe Gomez began at right-back in place of Trent lexander-Arnold while Joel Matip partnered Van Dijk at the heart of the Reds defence.
After the match, Van Dijk admitted that his team were too open in the first half but saw improvements as the game progressed.
The Dutchman said: "It was a good game to watch for the neutral, but it was tough for both sides.
"They played well and we had moments of good football, especially at the beginning of the second half. We put them under pressure and created chances. We played a higher line and won the second balls.
"At the beginning the gaps were too big. I said before the game that anything can happen in a final and in the end the penalties decided the game.
"I told Adrian before penalties he could be the hero tonight and he did it so I'm happy for him and for the club."
Olivier Giroud put Chelsea ahead in the first half, but Sadio Mane brought Liverpool level within three minutes of the restart which forced extra time.
Mane gave the Reds a 95th minute lead only for Jorginho to level from the spot after Adrian was adjudged to have fouled Tammy Abraham .
With nothing to separate the sides after 120 minutes of football, Liverpool edged the penalty shootout 5-4 to claim their fourth Super Cup title.
After their midweek exploits, Klopp's men are back in action with a trip to Southampton in the Premier League this Saturday.
