Eddie Howe says Newcastle United "aren't far away" from being at their best as they prepare to face Benfica in the Champions League.
Newcastle have endured a mixed start to the season in all competitions, currently sitting 13th in the Premier League after suffering their third defeat of the season in a 2-1 loss to Brighton on Saturday.
In the Champions League, having opened with a loss to Barcelona, Newcastle got back on track last time out with a 4-0 thumping of Union Saint-Gilloise.
Following that victory, the Magpies are now looking to record consecutive wins in the competition for the first time since February 2003 (two wins against Bayer Leverkusen).
And Howe believes Newcastle are close to finding some consistency.
"We are delighted to play quickly and try and build momentum back up. The Brighton game was mixed, there was a lot of good, but we need to improve," Howe said.
"Frustrating is the feeling. We are so close to being something more and getting better results. Team performances have been strong, but there were a couple of lapses against Brighton.
"We are working hard to create chances and the best example of that is the goal. It has come from the goalkeeper, and we have worked hard to get that goal. You make your own luck, and we aren't far away."
Newcastle will be coming up against a familiar face, with former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho leading Benfica.
Mourinho has only won three of his 12 away games at St. James' Park against Newcastle (D4 L5), and just one of the most recent seven (D3 L3).
"I would say the characteristics he has as a manager, his teams are very hard to beat," said Howe on Mourinho.
"He has a way of inspiring his teams to be very good off the ball. Against Chelsea, they were very close to getting a good result and that was a very tight game.
"We know what to expect, and it is up to us to influence our players and deliver our game plan."
Only Sturm Graz (16) have played more European Cup/Champions League home games without ever drawing than Newcastle (13 – W6 L7).
The Magpies have lost each of the last three on home soil, however, which is their longest such losing run in the Champions League.
Newcastle have high aspirations for the competition this season, though, with Nick Pope hopeful they can make it through the league phase.
"It is something this club has not done in a long time, so it is a big ambition for the group," Pope said.
"We have a top team and a top manager, and top teams get in later stages of the Champions League. We have more experience than first time around, so we are looking to take it to the next level.
"First time round, we didn't have loads of Champions League experience, but now we have that as a squad and that can help us progress."