The transfer window is still a couple of weeks away from re-opening and the Dutchman knows he needs to squeeze every last ounce out of the squad he currently has before then to give themselves the best possible chance of turning things around.
"That is the squad I am working with for the next few games and that is where I need to concentrate," he said.
"You need to keep a realistic view. In general there has been a positive trend (since he took over) with regards to energy, commitment and drive.
"There were some really good signs (against Everton).
"If we had been able to drag that one point over the finishing line it would have been a perfect follow up to the Spurs and Villa games (a 2-1 defeat and 2-0 victory respectively)."