Harry Redknapp wants his Tottenham side to believe they can keep challenging for the Premier League title.
Spurs are third in the table but a win in their rescheduled fixture against Everton on Wednesday will see them join champions Manchester United on 45 points, just three behind leaders Manchester City.
While Redknapp says there has been a marked improvement in his side this season, he claims his players' belief could be the key to their success as they look to keep pace with the big-spending Manchester clubs.
"We have improved this year, we are stronger, it is just that belief," Redknapp told reporters.
"We have to believe we can do it and have that belief that we can keep challenging."
However, Redknapp also remains realistic about his team's targets.
"I am not going to say ‘We are going to win the league- as it is going to be very difficult," he said.
"Just look at Manchester United's squad and City's squad, they have fantastic players and can make changes everywhere. Their forward players are incredible."
"(Sir Alex Ferguson) will look at it and say ‘They are going well, they are playing well-. He is not disrespectful to write us off completely."
"It will be difficult for us to finish above them or Man City, but you just never know do you?"
"If we got Champions League football again we would be delighted here. That is what we really wanted to do this year, anything above would be great."
The close season was fruitful for Spurs as they signed Premier League big names including Scott Parker, Emmanuel Adebayor and Brad Friedel.
Redknapp said he always knew his side were just a few players short of making a big impression at the top of the Premier League.
"I knew that once one or two came in that we would push on and we did," he said.
"The belief and the arrival of a couple of players in through the door made a difference to everybody."
While the new faces have impressed at White Hart Lane, Redknapp has distanced himself from any January arrivals.
Junior Hoilett, Christopher Samba and Loic Remy have all been linked with the north London club, yet Redknapp claims he is not looking to buy.
"We have good players like Niko (Kranjcar) and (Steven) Pienaar who are not getting a game, so to take another player and not have him playing is a waste of time," Redknapp said.
"The January window drives you mad. You get phone calls from agents without a clue, offering you useless players."
"If you do happen to answer by mistake, you would say 'We are in the Premier League, not the Southern League. You are ringing the wrong manager'. It is unreal."