Paulo Sousa has his eyes firmly on third place as he prepares to entertain Derby County this evening
Victory for Swansea City over their visitors at the Liberty will lift the Swans into their highest league position since 1983 and third place in the Championship table.
Despite performing exceptionally in their debut season back at this level last term, the best position the Swans managed was 6th under Roberto Martinez and Sousa has his eyes on eclipsing that this evening.
But he also believes that achievement does not stop there and has told his players they can go on and create history as he looks to extend their ten match unbeaten run.
“Third place is available to us and it is a big step to take,” Sousa told the Western Mail. “But it is something we want.
“We know it has been a long time since the club has been this high, but every day I encourage my players to put themselves into the history of this club.
“Achieving these kind of things is important for them and important for us as a side, for the present and for the future
“It is something that would make me proud, even if we know there is a long, long way to go.
“But what we have are expectations that are growing all the time.
“Supporters have seen us do well and now they want to see us repeat what we have shown them already.
“It is up to us to find that consistency.
“Beating anyone, not just your rivals, gives you extra confidence
“It was a big lift for everyone, but, more than that, for me it can be a beginning as we look to achieve important levels.
“We must now look to find consistency in those levels and that is what we are working towards every day.
“We know we can improve and the supporters help us in this. What I saw from the supporters in the derby game is something I want to see every game because they can give us extra energy and extra belief.
“When you don’t have results, it becomes more and more difficult,” said Sousa, perhaps empathising with Nigel Clough’s own difficulties.
“But in the last two games they have played very well. They were unlucky at Ipswich but came from behind to beat Coventry, so they will be confident going into this game.
“But we are very confident in ourselves and if we are focused and keep our intensity we can create a lot of problems for them."