Terry turns his attention to Liverpool

Terry could lose the England captaincy (GETTY IMAGES)

John Terry insists Chelsea will be ready for the visit of Liverpool on Sunday despite an unconvincing win over Apoel Nicosia in the Champions League.

Nicolas Anelka's 18th-minute goal earned them victory but the performance did not please coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The Italian had wanted more from his side after their 3-1 defeat at the hands of Wigan on Saturday but they failed to shine in Cyprus.

The victory leaves Chelsea top of the group with two straight wins but they will have to improve to prevent Liverpool notching another win at Stamford Bridge.

Captain Terry, one of a number of players to criticise the team's display at Wigan, promised the Blues would be ready for the Merseysiders.

"The confidence wasn't knocked at Wigan - you can't afford not to believe in yourselves or your team-mates," said Terry.

"It was important that we realised we went wrong at Wigan and that we responded well. You don't get much time to think about it with the games coming thick and fast, and we did a good job here.

"We responded well against Apoel. We're top of the group with six points from two games, in a good position, and now we go back to the Premier League for the Liverpool game on Sunday.

"We have to be better against Liverpool. They are a very good side who had a tough result yesterday. They will be up for it and they are a big club, so we will have to respond again when we play them.

"This is a difficult place to come. Teams are getting better and better in the Champions League. We were a bit slow in the tempo occasionally, but we won the game."

Coach Ancelotti was happy with the result but with the performance.

"It was a good result but perhaps not a good performance," said Ancelotti.

"We started with good control, scored a goal, and we had opportunities for quick counter-attacks after that, but we didn't take them.

"In the second half it was different. We tried to control the game with possession, but we made a lot of mistakes."

With their clash against title rivals Liverpool on Sunday, Ancelotti pledged his side would put on a much better display.

"We have time to rest and to prepare well for this important game," he added.

"We will not play like we did today. We will play better, for sure."