Chris Coleman is still torn over whether he wants to continue as Wales manager but believes expectation levels during his tenure have been too high.
Tuesday's Group A meeting against Belgium could be the last fixture of Coleman's reign - although Wales do have a friendly with Finland next month - if he and the Football Association of Wales do not agree to extend their working relationship.
Talks over the 43-year-old's two-year contract extension have stalled, and he has openly suggested what he sees as short-termism from the FAW may see him turn down the chance to remain in charge of the Dragons if it is offered.
Coleman has regularly stated his belief that the likes of Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen and Ashley Williams need to be regularly available for Wales to have a genuine shot at reaching a first major finals since 1958.
But he also hinted the presence of players of that ilk means there is an unrealistic level of expectation whenever Wales head into a qualification campaign.
He said: "We talk about qualification. When was the last time a side seeded sixth qualified? We were seeded sixth this time and the expectation was that we should qualify.
"Others who were maybe involved before me said this group were going to be this, that and the other.
"But if you look at the teams we have been up against, I don't think there is a tougher group.
"There no excuses, we have had too many defeats. Finishing fourth in the group would not be a success because it's all about qualifying.
"When I say I want to look at how I can affect things going forward, do I want to deal with unrealistic expectations?
Source: PA
