Marco Silva's temporary stay of execution has been extended… meaning he will lead Everton into their next game.
But even though the Goodison board have privately confirmed the Portuguese coach will be in charge at Leicester on Saturday, they have offered no further guarantees beyond the weekend.
And that leaves Silva in a still precarious position, with owner Farhad Moshiri deeply engaged in the search for a new manager, after the club’s supporters made clear it is time for change.
Silva was given a day off on Monday as boardroom talks continued, but he was in at the Blues’ training ground on Tuesday, to take first team training.
It is understood the Everton manager has asserted he wants to continue in the job, despite growing pressure and strong evidence the fanbase has simply had enough of his tenure.
He accepts the performances this season haven’t been good enough, and admitted that it is a normal reaction for the fans to ask for the manager to be sacked, with Everton struggling just above the relegation zone.
But he passionately argued that he can turn things around.
“I believe, I believe I can. I believe in the work, I believe in our players and I believe in our fans as well,” he said.
“I am here to do my best every single day, to get the right result, and of course if get the right results then you can repair things (with the fans).
“This is the main thing about football - it is everything about results, and when we don’t achieve, normally they look for the person at the top and that is the manager.”
Silva’s reprieve may not last long though, with the visit to Leicester - currently second in the Premier League - followed swiftly by a visit to Anfield to face runaway leaders Liverpool , in what are Everton’s toughest two fixtures of the season.
Defeat in either would increase the pressure, and lead inevitably to a new manager, with Moshiri forced to act as Everton slip dangerously close to the relegation zone.
