Promulgating the notion “we are a LITTLE behind” can actually be pretty motivating.
A lot of people construe, “It’s certain we’ll win” as meaning “watch Football, if you like, cuz we don’t really need your vote...keep your feet on that Ottoman..!”
People are weird.
I think this is smart.
Not to go too far off the tracks here, but that phrase brings to mind that infamous tweet from Bill Clinton: "I'm getting a little behind in my work."