Last weekend they crashed to a 1-0 defeat at Millwall - a win would have sealed promotion - and the players appear to be feeling the pressure.
"The lads have had their rollicking, and I upset a few of them," admitted Johnson.
"Things needed to be said, but once that was out of the way there were a lot of positives to talk about.
"Our destiny is still in our own hands, we need to show Rotherham respect because they will have some enthusiastic youngsters looking to force their way into the plans of their new manager."
If City slip-up then Nottingham Forest are primed to take advantage.
Forest manager Colin Calderwood has spent much of the season saying his side are good enough to win automatic promotion - but suddenly he is playing down his side's chances.
But he is playing his part in the mind-games surrounding the final weekend of the season by putting the focus firmly on the Robins.
"The pressure is on Bristol City, because they were almost over the line," he said.
"They have a home game and want to win promotion, yet they have no insurance. We have to make sure that if they do no come up to the mark we steal in."
And if City and Forest both slip-up, Blackpool could yet overtake them both if they secure a last-day victory at Swansea.