Wednesday 6 January 2016 13:47, UK
Glen Johnson says Stoke will improve when they head to Anfield for their Capital One Cup semi-final second-leg against Liverpool.
The Potters struggled to get going in Tuesday's first leg at the Britannia Stadium as Jordon Ibe's 37th-minute strike sealed a 1-0 win for the away side.
Mindful of the fact his old club have shown signs of vulnerability at home this season, Johnson has no doubt Stoke are capable of causing Liverpool greater problems when they meet again on January 26.
"It is a tough place to go and play. They are a good side," Johnson said. "But we are better than we were in this first leg. And if they do have problems at Anfield and we are on our game, then I'm sure we will be right in there.
"We're still in the tie, that's for sure. I think we could have nicked a goal, but to be fair they probably could have nicked a couple more. So in the end, 1-0 probably isn't a bad result."
Stoke had gone into Tuesday's tie off the back of wins over Manchester City and Manchester United, with attacking trio Bojan Krkic, Marko Arnautovic and Xherdan Shaqiri in fine form.
However, just as in Saturday's Premier League loss at West Brom, Stoke failed to shine against Liverpool, but Johnson said the whole team had to take responsibility.
"Obviously they are match-winners," the 31-year-old said. "And usually if one is not firing, the others are. So it is unfortunate.
"But they don't win a game on their own and they don't lose it on their own. There are 11 of us out there.
"I think a few of the lads lost a bit of confidence after a slow start. In the games we have done well in, we have started quick, with us on the front foot, which gives everyone confidence and belief they can win.
"Liverpool started quick and tried to press us. Our passing was a bit sloppy and it encouraged them to keep doing what they were doing."
