The New Zealanders head for Adelaide United this weekend looking to clock up a fourth win in a row and climb into the A-League's top four.

Phoenix have not had the smoothest of campaigns at times with poor early results, detractors always ready to pounce on the merits of a New Zealand team in the competition and recent comments from the AFC over the club's continued presence in the A-League beyond 2011.

Club officials have frequently stressed the club's value to the A-League with absolutely no credence to suggestions they are simply making up the numbers.

Talk is one thing but Pignata admits that piling up the league points really helps to strengthen the case and gain the respect the club feels it deserves.

Pignata told au.fourfourtwo.com today that last week's win over league leaders Melbourne had been tremendously pleasing.

He said: "I think it was more than three points to be honest. I think it was a statement to the rest of the competition and to our detractors.

"I don't think a Kiwi team had beaten them in 10 games.

"We're not here to make up the numbers, we're here to compete, to challenge, it's a serious football club with a serious structure."

While players, CEO's and office staff alike are boasting broad smiles at present, complacency is not a risk at Westpac Stadium.

Pignata said: "We've had some good results but nobody is getting carried away here at all. It's about looking to the next game and to keep building. The players are very mindful of that."

Talking of players, the club CEO said he was delighted to see Daniel embracing New Zealand citizenship.

He said: "He loves the country and who knows, it maybe that we see him playing for the All Whites one day."