Sinisa Mihajlovic said AC Milan's next three games will be decisive in their chase for third place in Serie A following Saturday's 1-0 win over Torino.
Luca Antonelli's lone goal just before half-time was enough to get Milan the three points and put the Rossoneri six points behind the final Champions League spot.
After facing third-tier Allessandria in the Coppa Italia semifinal on Tuesday, Milan face two tests away from home at Sassuolo and Chievo, followed by a home tie against Lazio.
And Mihajlovic said the March fixtures will decide Milan's fate this season.
"We knew this was going to be a very difficult game," Mihajlovic told Sky Sport Italia after defeating Torino. "At the end we deserved the win, even if we suffered a bit too much.
"What was fundamental this evening was the right attitude, everyone ready to fight hard and work for the result. If we want to climb the standings, we have to continue like this.
"Over the next three rounds we'll find out if we can really fight for third place or not. I believe and so do the lads.
"We had several chances to finish the game off earlier and knew Torino defenders always wanted to play the ball. The strikers do a lot of dirty work and that tires them out in front of goal, but our forwards are our first defenders and I am happy with them.
"We work in training to make sure every individual knows what they are supposed to be doing when in possession and off the ball.
"It is important we have a team that stays in the game, keeps cool and doesn't get frightened. This is why the results come."
But despite the result, Mihajlovic said Milan must get better if they are to accomplish their goals.
"We still have to improve everything. Everything," he said. "Today we had more opportunities to finish the game and didn't take them, that is the main thing we're missing."