Russell Martin admits he already has a rough idea on which players will be a part of his plans next season, and has challenged those facing an exit to prove him wrong over the coming weeks.
Despite impressive wins over Blackburn Rovers and Bristol City, recent heavy defeats on the road have taken the gloss off any progress made under the former MK Dons boss.
The performances at Sheffield United and Stoke City have been a particular cause for concern, but Martin has once again called for patience as he attempts to really make his mark on this Swans side.
“It’s about time, we had very little time when we came in," he said. "If we had full pre-season there might have been more opportunities and we do have a small squad, which has hurt us at times.
“But I believe there will be more flexibility as we get towards the end of the season, and certainly after a pre-season before next season.”
The summer is already looking like a pivotal period in Martin's reign, and he admits a summer overhaul at the Swansea.com Stadium is likely at the end of the current campaign.
A number of players could well find themselves at risk of being moved on as a result, although Martin insists he hasn't closed the book on anyone just yet.
However, he admits he already has a good idea on what he wants his squad to look like next term, and says some players may find the weight of his methods too much to bear.
"With a transfer window six [away], or four months or whatever it is, players are always playing for their futures.
"Whether they're trying to progress or try to salvage something, a contract at their club or trying to get a move.
"Everyone is trying to prove that all the time.
"In terms of here... .I'm really open to being surprised, but I think we know who we want and who's going to be part of that.
"Maybe someone will surprise us from now until the end of the season.
"What you end up with is guys who are desperate to be a part of it and do it brilliantly. There will be guys desperate to do it that won't quite get there, unfortunately, and there will be some guys where it'll be just too much to do."
Martin has still, on the whole, been delighted by the level of buy-in from his players, with skipper Matt Grimes insisting this week that the squad "love his ideas and how he wants to play".
And one man in particular has seemingly flourished under the current regime.
Ben Cabango has found himself on the end of significant praise from the Swans boss recently.
Indeed, Martin revealed after the win over Bristol City that he had even spoken to Cabango's parents to congratulate them on their son's recent form.
Asked specifically about what had impressed him most about the Welshman, Martin said: "He's playing a different role, the intensity he's playing at and the courage he's showing on the ball, from where he was to where he is now is incredible.
"The way he's defended, the way he gets himself ready to defend. I just think he's so consistent and so brave. I think even now some people don't appreciate some of the things he's done with the ball.
"He's come through here and he's an incredible, incredible character. I can't speak highly enough of him. I'm just really proud of him and what he's been producing.
"At Stoke, he was probably our best player. He didn't deserve to be on the losing team by that much. The same as Saturday, where he was one of our best players again."
Martin admits he often feels like his praise for the Wales international can sometimes fall on deaf ears, such is the youngster's determination to keep improving.
And, clearly, that suits the Swans boss just fine.
"I don't think he believes fully in his potential yet, and it's just about getting it out of him. Hopefully we can just keep killing him with kindness. He's really uncomfortable with praise.
"It's just a football thing. He never feels comfortable in terms of where he's at. He always wants to improve, which is great."
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