VfB Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeneß has refused to use the words "Champions League" when discussing his side's aims for the remainder of the season.
The surprise packages in the Bundesliga sit third in the table with a six-point cushion over Borussia Dortmund in fourth. RB Leipzig are a point further back with 10 games to go.
But Hoeneß does not want to jinx his side's chances and was cautious ahead of Friday's home game with Union Berlin.
The aim for next season along with the Bundesliga and German Cup is to be in a "third competition, possibly even the Europa League," he told reporters on Thursday, adding that Stuttgart needed to "finish the job."
But with a clear reference to Dortmund and Leipzig in the race for the top four, he said: "We are competing with two teams who have experienced every year what we are now experiencing."
Hoeneß also commented again on rumours he could be a candidate to succeed Thomas Tuchel as coach of Bayern Munich, where he was reserve coach and won the third tier in 2020. He is also the son of former Bayern player Dieter and nephew of Bayern honorary president Uli.
"It's speculation, nothing more," said the 41-year-old, who believes the rumours are simply a "confirmation" of the good work done at Stuttgart.
"I have no thoughts that my journey with VfB will be over at the end of the season."
Hoeneß' contract in Stuttgart runs until June 2025.