Swansea City manager Garry Monk believes the Premier League is split into two divisions and that his side face an uphill struggle to force their way into the division's elite.
The Welsh club sit eighth, seven adrift of Southampton, who lead the race to be crowned 'best of the rest'.
Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham form a familiar top six, but Monk has his sights set on taking the next step.
"We're all trying to break into the monopoly of the top six or seven, which is very difficult to do," he said.
"Between the rest of us, the margins are very small.
"I look at it as two leagues within the league."
Swansea, who broke their Premier League points record with a victory over Newcastle United last time out, host Stoke City - three points worse off in ninth - on Saturday.
'People will remember us because we got to No.1 in the world rankings and achieved great things - but our biggest regret is that we didn’t win anything': Ex-Everton star Kevin Mirallas opens up on 'honour' of being part of nation's golden generation
‘I’m sure we’d have finished in the top four or five if he hadn’t joined Chelsea in January. Him leaving damaged the team, but we couldn’t stand in his way’: Alan Curbishley reflects on failed Champions League dream after selling key player
