But the former England hooker knows the strength of the challenges that await in league and cups, starting with a crucial run of fixtures during January.
“We’re in the top four but we need to build a bit of momentum now,” said Cockerill ahead of Saturday’s trip to league leaders Saracens in the first game of the new year.
“The league table does not lie, Saracens are a good team and they’ve been top of the table for quite a while. They had their first defeat last weekend and they’ll be looking to rebound from that.
“But we have to play our normal game, match them physically and take it to them.”
Tigers then face a home fixture in front of another 20,000-plus crowd for the visit of London Wasps on Saturday, January 9 (5.30pm) and the final two pool games in the Heineken Cup, at home to Viadana and away to Ospreys.
“We’re in the top four in the league, we still have a chance of qualifying in Europe, and we’ve won one, lost one in the Anglo-Welsh, so we’re doing okay,” added Cockerill.
“Our away form has not been great in the league, but we’ve still taken at least a point in every game.
“We’ve had our share of injuries, but a lot of those guys are back or close to getting back and I don’t see any reason why we cannot kick on.
“I am still optimistic about going into the New Year.”
Tickets for Tigers’ opening home game of the year, against Wasps next Saturday, are available now. Phone the ticket hotline on 0844 856 1880, book online or call in at Welford Road ticket office.
