Dean Solomon is steering clear of discussing the knives at his back, mindful that he could be punched in the face.
The interim Essendon coach continues to keep his own counsel on the job beyond this season, saying his focus is on preparing the Bombers for Sunday's AFL match against fierce rivals North Melbourne.
Solomon is said to be the preference of Essendon president Andrew Welsh, but former coach James Hird has made clear his desire to have the job again.
A month after Brad Scott's sacking, the club is yet to outline the process for picking its next senior coach. Welsh is saying nothing publicly.
The topic turned ugly this week, with a report that Solomon was ranked last among five candidates when Scott was appointed four years ago.
In his weekly media conference on Thursday morning, Solomon was asked repeatedly about the permanent coaching role.
"I still haven't thought about it. My position hasn't changed in that space. The interim role, I have to keep my eyes down in that space," he said.
"There are a lot of reports going on, a lot of conversations around myself, but right here, right now, inside my bubble, I'm just focusing on what I need to focus on.
"We'll see where it lands.
“I’m just going to focus on what I’m focusing on right now. We’ve got a big game on Sunday - if I get distracted too much away from that, the game punches you in the face pretty quickly.”
Solomon said last weekend's mid-season bye was important for a reset and refresh, given the turbulence since Scott's sacking.
Several players, led by captain Andrew McGrath, are set to return from injury.
There is also encouraging news on young gun Archie Roberts, who is recovering from a shoulder dislocation and looks to have avoided an operation.
"We discussed it (surgery). The medical staff are really confident that he'll be back in a couple of weeks," Solomon said.
"They spoke with Archie as well. He's really keen to push to play.
"He's progressing really well, he's ahead of time, so we expect to see him in the next couple of weeks.
"If he was in any danger, any long-term stuff, we'd never put him at risk. It's always player first."
Solomon said it was vital for Essendon to improve by the end of the season, having won only one game so far.
"It's critically important we finish the year with momentum. Day one of pre-season is really important, round one next year is really important,'' he said.
"This next nine-week block is the most important part of that, to ensure we finish in a positive way, in a good head space and looking to win games.
"I firmly believe we can do some damage on the way home."
Solomon praised Zach Merrett, who spoke on Wednesday about the stresses since last year's failed attempt to join Hawthorn.
"It's no doubt been a tough time for him, and the way he's navigated it (has been) incredibly well," Solomon said.
"He's driving meetings, he's been a real leader. I can't ask any more of him.
"He's been sensational for me, the last three or four weeks."
