Ange Postecoglou is adamant he's unconcerned about the "running commentary" over his precarious future Tottenham future, declaring pugnaciously on the eve of another crucial examination: "It doesn't affect me - it never has and it never will."
The Spurs boss has also been given a very public vote of support from his star player Dejan Kulusevski, who promised on Wednesday he was fighting for Postecoglou because he believed the Australian has brought "special" football to the club.
Speaking on the eve of their Europa League clash with Swedish team Elfsborg, Postecoglou adopted a defiant face amid the growing discontent about Spurs slumping to 15th in the Premier League and suggested that, still in three competitions, the club could yet forge a spectacular season.
Asked about the growing speculation over his future following the dreadful 2-1 home loss to struggling Leicester on Sunday, Postecoglou was adamant: "It doesn't affect me. It never has and it never will.
"My view on my role has never been about self-preservation or security, it's about trying to achieve and I'm still in a position where we can do that.
"You suggest there's a running commentary on me, which is not surprising considering our league position. I don't have to respond to that, or get involved in that. It doesn't interest or affect me."
Spurs can seal qualification for the last-16 of the Europa League by beating Elfsborg, they're in the semi-finals of the League Cup and they're in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
"People can choose to ignore it, but we are in a great position to still achieve something really special this year," said Postecoglou.
Agreeing with that contention, Kulusevski, the hugely popular Swedish international who has shone amid all the gloom, then delivered an impassioned defence of his manager.
"We had games when we showed perfect football. Football that not many teams can play in the world. We played beautiful games against (Manchester) United, against (Manchester) City, four-nil, so I think he is the right man," said the 24-year-old winger.
"We play for him. We want to win for him and, to be honest, we have similar ideas. I am very positive as a guy and I always want to play that football he wants. I have to fight for him because I believe in that football too. Yes, I think he's the right man."
Kulusevski reckoned Spurs' plight was simply down to the injury woes they've been suffering. "We are 11 fit players in four competitions. That's why the team is paying the price," he said.
Asked if he had a message for disgruntled supporters, Postecoglou responded: "My message would be to all Spurs fans - because I represent them all, not just the angry ones that you are referring to or maybe talking to - is 'we are working hard to turn this around'.
"Obviously, we know the situation, notwithstanding the fact the possibilities and opportunities in the second half of this season are still very much in our hands to capitalise on and still make it a successful season."
The bright news for Postecoglou was that key defender Micky van de Ven will return from injury against Elfsborg, while Yves Bissouma trained on Wednesday and will be available alongside Pape Sarr.
But England international James Maddison will be absent for two to three weeks with a calf injury.
