Daniel Farke admits if he was after an easy life he would have given Norwich City a swerve.
The Canaries' boss has endured a testing first six months in charge, since becoming the club's first overseas coach.
City ended an eight-match winless run against Sheffield Wednesday last time out, but Farke must continue to balance financial reality with the expectations of a fan base used to Premier League football.
'To be honest there was some easier options for me but when you work in football you are a competitor. You look for the biggest task,' he said. 'Listen, I was realistic in the summer.
'We finished eighth last season with the worst defence.
'We had to lower the wage bill, we needed some transfer fees. We had to sell three of our best players in pre-season.
'You are realistic. You do not speak about the first positions. But we are also in my opinion too good to speak about the relegation positions.
'So really anything between fifth and 20th can happen. I was prepared for that.
'After seven games without a win you are not allowed to speak about the positions at the top. We are in the middle. A lot of things are possible, but this is not the moment after one win.
'Maybe after 10 wins in a row the lads are allowed to look at the table.'
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Farke understands the frustration of some supporters, but is in it for the long haul.
'I know the fans have been moaning at times. That is quite normal when you are on a tough run,' he said.
'You feel more pressure as a head coach than a player. I am responsible for these lads. I feel so much support and trust from the club.
'When you work in professional football you know there isn't any club that can give you assurances, about how long you will stay.
'But I know here there is a lot of trust and even in the bad periods that trust is still there.
'I feel a deep support and that gives me a lot of confidence.
'It is important to deal with the expectations of such a massive club. Four times in the last six seasons we were in the Premier League but you have to be responsible for a big change.
'If we are able to be successful in this period then we can create something really special.
'I am greedy to be the one who brings that.'
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