FRANKFURT - Germany coach Joachim Low expects his team to build up momentum rather than relax should they qualify for Euro 2008 this weekend.
A win over the Republic of Ireland in Dublin would see Germany become the first nation to join hosts Austria and Switzerland in next summer's tournament.
However, Low will not accept any of his squad entering the comfort zone after qualification, saying that the remaining games between now and next June are all crucial, even if nothing would be at stake.
"I will make it clear to the players once again what I expect of them up until the European Championships," he said.
"When we qualify and therefore complete the first stage, then things keep moving on.
"There is no reason for us to relax. Work is only commencing in the individual areas."
Germany have latched onto an excellent performance at the World Cup last year and the momentum of form from that event has propelled them back among the leading nations in world football.
An unbeaten qualifying campaign so far has been punctured by only one friendly defeat, a narrow loss to Denmark in which Low put out a virtual second string.
And in August, Germany even managed to beat England at Wembley, but their coach does not yet feel he has one of the best teams in the world at his disposal.
"We have still got to learn more and improve," he added.
"We are not far enough yet to remain at the top in the long term."
Low will welcome his 22-man squad to Berlin on Tuesday to begin preparations for Saturday's game in Ireland and the clash with the Czech Republic in Munich four days later.
Following the weekend's round of Bundesliga matches, he may have to make alterations to his squad with Bernd Schneider and Roberto Hilbert both picking up knocks.
Their fitness will be assessed on Tuesday before Low decides whether or not to add any new names to his selection, which includes Arsenal's Jens Lehmann as number one goalkeeper.
