Rafael van der Vaart says Hamburg must improve if they are to remain in the European places come the end of the season.
Thorsten Fink's side have been in fine form of late, climbing to sixth place on the Bundesliga table.
But the Dutchman believes they must keep up the pace if they are to stay there.
"Of course I look at the table," Van der Vaart told Kicker.
"Each of us looks at the table and it gives us a good feeling. We need to improve though if we want to get to Europe, we must grow mentally."
Sporting director Frank Arnesen also believes that the current side is the best he has seen during his two years at the club.
"I say that the current side are definitely the best HSV side since I came here (in 2011)," the Dane added.
"After the (4-1) success in Dortmund it has put great pressure on our team, because everyone expects to win in the next game."
Hamburg currently sit just three points outside the final Champions League place, currently occupied by Eintracht Frankfurt.
