Mauricio Pochettino insists that it will ultimately be down to the Chelsea hierarchy whether or not he remains in his post beyond this month.
The Blues head coach, 52, has endured a challenging maiden campaign since taking on the role last summer and there had been plenty of speculation over his future prior to a recent upturn in results.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, the Argentine said it would "not be the end of the world " if he were to leave the Blues at the end of the season.
But he stressed he did not say he was unhappy at Stamford Bridge in the wake of Chelsea's 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest. Pochettino said: “I never said that I am not happy. I said maybe I am happy, maybe I am unhappy. I never said I am not happy. It is a normal headline and sometimes too much honesty, talking. It is not a problem.
“I have one year more in my contract, like I said yesterday, I am thinking long term and thinking for a life here. We are working because we are professional and thinking to win games and trying to make the owners happy, trying to make the staff, players and fans happy.
“I had an honest conversation in the press conference. To clarify, if the owner is happy with my job we can continue.”
Pochettino's comments come in the wake of another positive result for Chelsea, who are now in a position where they can salvage their season with European qualification. Goals from Mykhailo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson sealed the points for the Blues, who are now seventh and level on points with Newcastle one place above them.
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Reflecting on the match, Pochettino said: “We scored a goal and then we conceded a goal that they cannot score in that way. Then it was really tough and it was an even game. We were controlling the game but they were very dangerous in transition and had very good players that go into transition so fast, and we took some risks and they created some chances.
“Always you need talented players and players from the bench who make a big impact like they did today and be a bit lucky to win games. Today we had all the ingredients.
“I am happy because the important thing is always to believe and never give up. The team showed resilience and maturity to fight until the end. That is why I am so pleased.”
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