Manuel Pellegrini says he is "absolutely sure" he retains the backing of West Ham's owners following a crucial win over Southampton.
A dismal run of form had left the Hammers hovering just a solitary point above the relegation zone and it was thought that another defeat at St Mary's on Saturday evening would see the under-pressure Pellegrini sacked.
However, West Ham produced a much-improved display on the south coast, collecting only their second win in 12 matches courtesy of a first-half strike from record signing Sebastien Haller.
A 12-day gap - which owes to Liverpool's involvement at the Fifa Club World Cup - until their next fixture against Crystal Palace on Boxing Day only seemed to increase the pressure on Pellegrini, with the club potentially afforded time to seek a replacement for the Chilean.
However, the victory at Southampton offers Pellegrini some much-needed breathing space and the former Manchester City boss believes his fate is linked more to his relationship with the club hierarchy, rather than purely results.
"You never know," he replied when asked if he expected to remain in the dugout for that festive trip to Selhurst Park.
"I don't think that your job depends on if you win or you lose, it is on the trust of the owners of the club and I am absolutely sure the owners trust me and in what we do.
"I cannot answer for them."
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