Graham Potter does not believe in fairy stories and much prefers to talks about “process” and “outcomes” than hopes and dreams.
But the Swansea City manager has allowed himself to contemplate the possibility that three more victories for his team could yet propel them into the Championship play-offs.
That, of course, depends on a type of magic wand – or season-ending anxiety – affecting other clubs above them – namely, Derby County, Middlesbrough and Bristol City.
But if the Swans can beat Hull City at the Liberty Stadium today, then the “process” of possible promotion back to the Premier League will continue. All that needs to happen is a couple of stumbles elsewhere and for Swansea to beat Derby in midweek, Blackburn Rovers away on the final day, overcome Leeds United over two play-off legs, and then beat either Aston Villa or West Brom at Wembley.
Now, that would be an “outcome”.
Potter is not discounting it, but says: “Strange things can happen at this stage of the season, but we have to win every game. The good thing is we are coming into the last few weeks of the season and there is still something to play for.”
Five wins in their last six games may have kept Swansea in the hunt for the play-offs, but Potter isn’t holding his breath on a top six finish – at least not until his players have huffed and puffed through another 90 minutes.
“You can hope and dream about getting into the play-offs, but that doesn’t get you the points. We have to win on Saturday against Hull City and then move on from there.
“I think 71 points will be competitive, and that’s the target, but who knows if it will be enough. The challenge for us is to win every game and see where that takes us.
“It just shows the Championship is unpredictable and can throw up results. We are very much a big outside chance, while mathematically you have a chance going into the last week you can see why it’s a conversation.
“I have not looked at other fixtures because if we do not get our points it does not really matter.
“It is quite simple, we have to win, focus on our games and if we can that we move onto the next one and try again.
“We have improved as the season has gone on, and since the last international break our performances have got better and better and we have taken another step forward,” he added.
“It is great for us to still be involved going into the last week, it’s great for the players, it’s great for the supporters.
“Hopefully there will be a good atmosphere and we can enjoy the challenge because it’s really exciting.”
Swansea are unbeaten at home in the Championship in their last 11 games and haven’t lost at the Liberty Stadium in the league since Aston Villa won 1-0 on Boxing Day. They have scored 19 goals in their last six home games.
Potter will have influential midfielder Bersant Celina back in the mix for Hull, although skipper Leroy Fer may miss the game despite recently returning from a long term injury after picking up a knock against Rotherham.
