Liverpool defender Glen Johnson insists the players have the desire to succeed after their attitude was questioned by their manager.
The 1-0 defeat at Wigan on Monday featured one of the worst 45-minute performances seen by a Liverpool team in recent years and left manager Rafael Benitez fuming as he questioned the mentality of his players.
But Johnson - who as a second-half substitute avoided the worst of it all - said: "Obviously it (Wigan) was a disappointing performance but we have put it behind us and are looking forward to the game tomorrow."
The England international, who made his first appearance since late December at the DW Stadium after a knee injury, added: "It is difficult to explain. Those things can happen and all the lads who were there were disappointed more than anyone else.
"But everyone has a bad day at the office sometimes. Usually it is one or two players and the rest of the lads will pull them through but when there is more than that it is difficult.
"Wigan set out to make it difficult for us and at the end of the day we weren't up to it.
"But he desire is there. We still have things to fight for and I'm with the lads every day so I know for sure they have a desire to win."
Source: PA
