Manchester City manager Andree Jeglertz is comfortable leading the Women's Super League title race despite a loss to closest challengers Chelsea on Wednesday.
On a run of 11 straight wins, City are six points clear of the reigning champions as they plot a first title in a decade.
Although City were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea in the semi-finals of the League Cup, Jeglertz insisted his players remain upbeat.
"I don't need to lift the mood among the players, they do that themselves," the Swedish coach said before City's WSL match against London City Lionesses on Sunday (11:55 GMT).
"We know we are a very good team – we showed that on Wednesday. Unfortunately we didn't convert our chances, but the mood is OK, even though there is disappointment. We know the qualities we have."
City are keen to avoid a repeat of the title run-in of 2023-24, when Chelsea clinched the title on the final day despite City holding a six-point lead with two games remaining.
"I think it's important to be aware of your history and what has happened earlier, but not let it affect you," Jeglertz said.
"The only thing we can affect is the future and the things we are doing every day. We have been very good at just taking one game, one week at a time.
"I'm fully aware that the longer the season goes on, there will be pressure and things that might try to interfere with that. But the group is strong and we are very tight group, both staff and players.
"I would rather lead than chase."
Chelsea face Arsenal on Saturday so will have the chance to put pressure on City, with the two meeting in the league next weekend (Sunday, 1 February, 14:30 GMT).
"It's not affecting our approach to our games," added Jeglertz. "If we win the rest of our games, we will win the league and that's the only thing we can affect.
"There has always been drive in the group that next weekend is the most important thing, the next game. So far, we have not had complacency at all."
