The Brazilian admits the JJB performance wasn't the best but insists the ability to win ugly is the mark of any great side.
He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It was a difficult game because it was physical. They have a very strong team and play a lot of long balls. It wasn't always possible to pass the ball but the team worked hard and in the end we got a great result.
"We have to be able to mix things up. When it's possible to get the ball down, pass and show our quality, it's better for us, but we also have to be able to fight like we did today.
"We need to be as strong as the other teams and make sure we win even when we are not at our best."
The full-back, who started his second consecutive game after recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, knows the pressure was on to pick up all three points against Wigan to keep pace with league leaders Arsenal.
"It's very important to keep our place right near the top of the table. We haven't done that in recent seasons because of bad starts."
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