Sunderland must take control of their own destiny and shun any fear regarding the challenges ahead.
Chris Coleman’s message was loud and clear ahead of Saturday’s trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the Welshman telling his players that just because everything sometimes isn’t enough, it’s not an excuse not to give it.
The Sunderland manager admits Wolves look like the ‘real deal’ after watching Nuno Espírito Santo guide his side to top spot in the Sky Bet Championship, and ten points clear of the pack chasing automatic promotion.
But Coleman is simply looking at the match-up as the latest challenge, urging his players to rise up and meet it head on with their chests puffed out.
"It’s a good set-up, a big club,” said the Sunderland manager.
There was a lot said when they spent as much money as they did but they’re walking their talk, they’re top of the league.”
He continued: "They look like the real deal and they will be playing with a lot of confidence, so it’s a huge challenge for us and that’s how we have to look at it.
"We’re down to our bare bones injury wise but it’ll be a great atmosphere, big crowd and we’re up against probably the best team in the league at the moment.
“If you don’t look forward to this type of challenge you shouldn’t play football and you shouldn’t be involved, because they come along and it’s the best feeling in the world when you meet it.
“You know you aren’t guaranteed anything but when you meet it, it’s a great feeling, and that’s’ where people fail a lot because they’re afraid to max out and come up short.
“We have to stay positive because who else is going to change our situation, you guys can’t do it, Wolves can’t, it’s only us, so we have to get on with it and we’re in charge of our own destiny.”