Brentford Manager Uwe Rösler said his players will have to work even harder to stay in the upper echelons of npower League One than they did to get there.
The Bees are unbeaten in 12 League One matches and sit fourth in the table, with a game in hand over the three teams above them.
Uwe has been nominated for the Manager of the Month prize in November and December – missing out to Eddie Howe, of AFC Bournemouth, in November and Mark Robins, of Coventry City, in December.
Speaking to Bees Player ahead of Brentford’s trip to Greater Manchester to take on Oldham Athletic, Uwe – fighting a heavy cold – said he hoped his players remembered they need to keep their performance levels high.
“The table is recognition enough of what we are doing,” said Uwe, discussing the Manager of the Month prize.
“Hopefully, everyone in our camp does not forget that you need to work even harder to stay where you are.
“This week could have been better, in terms of training.
“I believe you train how you play and I hope the players prove me wrong tomorrow.
“I was hoping for more out of the boys but hopefully they perform well tomorrow.”
Brentford have drawn their last three games – in npower League One against Shrewsbury Town and AFC Bournemouth and an FA Cup with Budweiser Third Round tie against Southend United.
Uwe said Oldham Athletic, managed by his former Manchester City team mate Paul Dickov, were a dangerous team and Brentford would have to be at their best to get anything.
“We want to stay at the top of the table,” said Uwe.
“We need to work hard to turn draws in to wins.
“We have had a few draws, last week, at Southend, it showed that if we are not at our best people can make it very difficult for us.
“Oldham are a very dangerous team.
“They are a bit hot and cold but they can play, that is for sure.
“Paul Dickov is working miracles under difficult circumstances.
“I told my players we all have to be on our toes to get something up there, it will be difficult.
“When we are not physically at our best, like at Southend, a League Two team can run over us.
“Physical aspects and mental aspects hang together.
“The body only works when the mind does.
“It is a long season; we have tried to refresh the players with time off this week.
“I hope they show they are fresh in their heads and in their legs.”
In the past few days Lee Hodson has extended his loan spell from Watford until the end of the season and Rob Kiernan has returned on a month loan from Wigan Athletic, having initially been at Griffin Park until January 2.
Uwe said he was hopeful Marcello Trotta would be staying past January 13, when his initial loan spell from Fulham ends, and Jonathan Douglas was close to signing an extension to his contract.
This comes after Shaleum Logan signed a new contract earlier in the month, Richard Lee extended his deal at the end of December and Simon Moore put pen to paper on a three and a half year contract in November.
“We want to keep what was working well for us,” said Uwe.
“We do not always want to bring in new players and start again.
“We are trying very hard to keep them and they commit to us, which means they like it here.
“We need to continue to work hard.”
Uwe also signed a new contract this week and said he was excited to do so.
“I like it here,” he said.
“It is exciting to be part of something positive, something adventurous.
“There are so many good people around me, who have committed themselves.
“I feel I have to commit now to give a signal to the players we are talking to for next season, and to the fans.
“I want to continue the work we have started.
“We are positive about what we can achieve and we have improved in all areas in the past 18 months.
“But we cannot rest, when you stand still that is when you start going backwards.
“There are areas to work on, we have to continue the hard work and desire to fulfil our aims.
“I have signed a new contract to make sure we get where we want to.”
Uwe said his relationship with owner Matthew Benham and Sporting Director Mark Warburton, who recently committed his future to Brentford, were key factors in signing a new deal.
“There is a lot of positive news here,” said Uwe.
“I am committed to the players and also to the owner, the Board and to Mark Warburton, who I have worked closely with.
“He has committed himself and it is my duty to do so and I am very, very happy.
“We have permanent contact with Matthew.
“It is fantastic how much interest he has in our season.
“I think he is enjoying himself.
“It is great to have him close by; we have a good dialogue through the Club.
“We know what each other is thinking and we are working hand in hand, that is the only way to have success.”
Bees Player subscribers can see a full video interview with Uwe Rösler here.