Hamburg midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has expressed his delight at his side's performances so far this season.

HSV are currently sixth in the Bundesliga, just four points off the final Champions League slot.

"When we began this season, our opponents laughed at us," ESPN quotes Van der Vaart as saying.

"Now they take us seriously - that is the difference."

Hamburg are away at Hannover in the Bundesliga this afternoon.