Stephen Ireland looked a little overawed up against Liverpool's midfield of Gerrard, Hamann, Sissoko and Riise, while Joey Barton failed to impose himself on the game.
Lee Croft also struggled to create on the right, but Pearce is happy with their effort and is confident they will all learn from the experience.
"Effort-wise the team are not letting me down in any way, shape or form, but we were up against a side with a great pedigree," he said.
"There wasn't a great deal in the game, they managed to get their noses in front but in the main it was nip-and-tuck.
"They are European champions and are ahead of us on know-how, even if it pains me to say so," added Pearce.
"We have young players who are learning. Stevie Ireland was playing against the European champions when a few weeks ago he hadn't played against anybody!
"We have to wait for our young players to mature before we are able to consistently beat sides as experienced and organised as Liverpool."