Lee Johnson has promised Sunderland fans that his side will be a better side in the play-offs following a dismal run of results.
The Black Cats have imploded in their last seven games - going from title favourites to play-off strugglers in the space of three weeks.
Johnson's side need just one win from their final two games against either Plymouth Argyle or Northampton Town.
Now, the Sunderland head coach has promised a big rallying call once his side secure their play-off status.
He said: "I understand their anxieties as well. All I can do is try and give off really positives vibes, which I believe because I can't be fake about it, and going into what we hope is the play-offs.
"I can't quite give off the message that I want to because that bit isn't guaranteed.
"The big rallying call can come after we secure that place and I don't care who we face because I fancy us, right and rested, prepared and focused over two legs against anyone in the division.
"That might sound a bit bullish but I think in one sense that it's what the Sunderland fans would like to hear, but I believe it so it's right for me to say."
The Sunderland head coach has cited a number of reasons behind their recent slump in form, including the amount of games they've played, but also one or two players being distracted by their contract situation.
Johnson has promised fans that the players will be up for the fight if they make it into the top six at the end of the season.
"I think that we'll be a better team in the play-offs," said Johnson. "That for me is something that I'm part anxious, part excited about.
"I'm anxious because it's not secured yet and I think everybody else feels the same.
"We can't commit to the new positive vibe. Whenever we get there that becomes a new cup competition where we can rally everybody and everything and go and make the most of it.
"I'm very confident that we're going to perform well in a play-off situation and that's what I want to build the team up for.
"When they cross the line, if we get there, we've got to really bring it and as best as possible."
The Wearsiders have managed to end their Wembley hoodoo already this season, and Johnson believes the latter stages of the EFL Trophy run will stand them in good stead ahead of the play-offs.
He added: "I think if we were to get there, the end stages of the EFL Trophy become important because the boys have that in their minds eye.
"It's pretty fresh. Even just a visualisation of being at Wembley and winning at the venue.
"That's the positive endorphins that will always be there.
"If you gave me that ticket I'll be so excited about what we can do. I won't see that as a potential failure.
"There's nothing but success that can come from this if we do our absolute best."
