Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino says he never doubted his players.

Victory over Real Sociedad saw the Catalans move up to fifth place in the table and Pochettino says the jeers have turned to cheers once more.

"After the victory, all of the criticisms have turned into compliments," he said.

"Everything seems better now, more rosy, but we knew we had to believe in what we were doing and that the results would come."

Espanyol now have 40 points and look set to challenge for a place in the Europa League at the very least, but Pochettino is not setting any long-term goals.

"It's important to break the 42-point barrier," he said.

"And if we win (against Real Mallorca tomorrow), everyone's vision will be different, but we must avoid falling into the temptation of looking at the long term."