Daniel Farke poured cold water on the idea Norwich City can make a late dash for the Championship play-offs.
City moved within six points of the top six with a brave 1-0 win at Bristol City, to extend their unbeaten run to five games.
Farke rated it one of the best of his tenure - given the transfer backdrop that saw Alex Pritchard sold to Huddersfield - and Tom Trybull ruled out through injury.
But the German head coach is urging City fans not to get carried away and focus on the big picture.
'We were brilliant in this tough spell but it is also vital we are honest and realistic,' he said.
'Since the summer so many important players have left us, and when you want to be in the mix for promotion you normally sign players.
'This season we have earned a lot of transfer fees, we have lowered the wage bill, brought the age of the squad down and lost some important players. In this situation it is not fair to the lads to speak about too high expectations.
'The club and the fans know the realistic financial situation.
'Okay, we can plan for the next season but when you see what other clubs are able to spend and what they can sign, and we have earned maybe £30m in transfer fees, then it is not important to speak about promotion. For our fans, just to celebrate and enjoy these moments.
'Don't overload the players with too many expectations.'
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James Maddison's eighth goal of a breakthrough season is only likely to fuel speculation he could follow Pritchard out of Carrow Road this month.
'After this game I don't think about transfer windows, new signings or who can come in,' said Farke.
'This was an exhausting week and I just want to enjoy the feeling. We won't fall asleep because we have sold some players and we know we need to bring some in.
'James Maddison has been a brilliant player for us this season.
'He is able to influence the balance of the games, he is able to score, he is able to provide assists, his set pieces are outstanding.
'His body language is so good for someone of a young age. He is a leader.
'This wasn't his best game and he made some wrong decisions but even when you don't have your best day, to be there for the determining goal is a sign of his quality.'
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