Rochdale boss Keith Hill has remained upbeat following his side's 3-0 defeat to local rivals Oldham Athletic.
The Dale saw their League One promotion hopes suffer a blow on Tuesday night as they were brushed aside at Boundary Park.
The result has left Rochdale three points adrift of the playoff places, but Hill is confident that they can still enjoy a strong finish to the season.
"It's not about this game, it's about a season," he told Sky Sports News. "I feel for the supporters because these nights are difficult but they make you as a team, as a football club.
"We're still eighth, I'm sure we are. So one thing I won't be doing is going home and cutting my big toe off. I'm really optimistic."
Rochdale continue their promotion bid on Saturday when they host Yeovil Town.
