But the besieged national coach would be forgiven for keeping his fingers crossed for a meteoric rise.
Nielsen was dubbed 'Teflon Tim' after having his contract renewed for three years before Australia's heavy home Ashes series defeat which sees the side a lowly number five in the Test rankings.
However, Nielsen's future became clouded after Cricket Australia (CA) announced it would hold a sweeping review in the wake of the Ashes, to be completed ahead of the 2011/12 international season Down Under.
In the meantime, success - and lots of it - would certainly help Nielsen's case.
But Nielsen says improving team consistency, not its ranking, is the main focus ahead of next month's tour of Sri Lanka.
"We are not even thinking about number one," he said.
"To get to number four then number three in the Test rankings and maintain our hold on the number one ranking in one-day cricket we need our players to be as consistent as they can be.
While appearing to concede Australia was "out-coached" in the Ashes, Nielsen admits the public criticism he copped as a result had hurt.
"You don't like it, being singled out - let's be honest," he said.
"It is hard at times but when we play like the Ashes you stand up and cop it on the chin just like the players on the field.
"There was a lot of talk about being outcoached in the Ashes and it is hard to argue with that.
"If it (criticism) doesn't kill you, it makes you stronger. And we are looking forward to getting better."
The CA review has already led to the appointment of ex-Test players Steve Rixon, Justin Langer and Craig McDermott as specialist assistants to Nielsen.
However, one of the biggest post-Ashes changes has been implemented by the national selectors - the sensational dumping of veteran opener Simon Katich.
Nielsen is not concerned it may affect team harmony, despite ex-skipper Ricky Ponting and current vice-captain Shane Watson expressing their surprise over Katich's omission.
"That has happened for 100 years. Players have been left out who are good mates with guys in the side, and nothing has changed," he said.
But Nielsen says they must heed the selectors' message following Katich's axing.
"You don't necessarily like players not performing or not retained but it's the nature of the beast at this level," he said.
"It is pretty clear the selectors have made a decision to regenerate this team.
"We've been through a period where our Test match performances haven't been as good as we would have liked.
"We've got some older players and we have got some younger players looking for an opportunity.
"At some stage the regeneration of this team will take place and I think you have seen the first step in that process."
- AAP
Tags: sport, cricket, australia
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