Anything other than an A-League playoffs spot would be a disaster for Wellington Phoenix, admits departing goalkeeper Oli Sail.
After spending the past 15 weeks inside the top six, the Phoenix are now an outside chance of missing the final series altogether.
Their fate rests firmly in their own hands, needing just a draw against bottom-of-the-table Macarthur on Saturday to secure their spot.
The Phoenix are three points ahead of Perth Glory, Newcastle Jets and Western United, and boast a superior goal difference.
After initially pushing for a home playoffs spot, their run of five games without a win has seen those dreams dashed.
Sail makes no secret of just how calamitous it would be should the Phoenix fail to make the playoffs, given their earlier aspirations.
"Huge, there's no hiding from that," he said. "I was pretty open earlier this year about the fact we should be a top-four team.
"That still hurts, I'm still disappointed with that. In my eyes, that's still a failure - we haven't achieved getting that top-four status.
"If we were to miss out this weekend, that would be extremely disappointing, and undoubtedly, we'd have to reflect on that and take the criticism that comes.
"We've taken points off all of the top six teams, so we should definitely be up there. There's plenty to play for and plenty to achieve still in the final series."
Sail is one of several Phoenix players departing the club at the end of the season, with a move to Perth Glory lined up, but despite the distractions surrounding the club, he rejects the notion that has contributed to their poor form.
He concedes confidence is low within the squad, but they only have to look back at earlier season results to find some.
"You can't lie and say the mood is great," Sail said. "We haven't won in 5-6 weeks, so you can't hide behind the fact that we're not full of confidence, but we've played some great football this year and we know what we're capable of.
"We're well aware of the scenario and what is required."
