Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is determined to meet head on outspoken chairman Dave Whelan's stated aim for this season.
Whelan seemingly piled the pressure on Martinez earlier this week by expressing his hope the team "can pick up a few points before Christmas and sail into the new year looking for a top-10 finish".
The team's inability to string two wins together all season has so far proved their undoing and a major cause of frustration for Martinez, whose team sit 14th at present.
But he believes Whelan's ambition is achievable, even though Wigan have only once finished in the top 10 in their four seasons in the top flight, and that in their debut campaign in 2005-06.
"There are many aims during a season, and at the moment we are where I expected us to be," remarked Martinez.
"But I see it (Whelan's comment) as a positive. When we play well this season, and when we do the right things, we can beat anyone.
"We're exciting to watch, we create many chances, and so there's a hope if we can get rid of the inconsistency then we will be top 10.
"That's how the Premier League is because if you look at the top seven or eight, you feel that's where they will finish by the end of the season.
"But the other positions are open and up for grabs, so I see it as a positive challenge, and it is achievable."
