This statement reflects a common aspiration among athletes and teams competing in tournaments or leagues. It conveys that once a team reaches an advanced stage like the semi-finals, their primary goal should be to advance further to achieve even greater success by reaching the final.
The deeper meaning behind this quote extends beyond sports competitions. It can be applied to various aspects of life where people set goals and work towards achieving them. The idea is that when someone reaches a milestone or achieves a significant accomplishment, rather than resting on their laurels, they should aim for more ambitious targets. This mindset encourages continuous improvement and striving for excellence. It also implies the importance of setting higher standards for oneself and being relentless in one's pursuit of success.
Mike Phelan, the author of this quote, is an English football coach known for his work with various clubs and as part of different coaching staffs. His career has been marked by a dedication to team performance and player development, embodying the spirit of continuous advancement that he advocates through such motivational statements.