Andre Villas-Boas sidestepped fresh talk about his Chelsea future on Saturday after seeing his side crash to a 3-1 home defeat to Aston Villa and slip out of the Barclays Premier League top four.
Villas-Boas has reportedly been assured his job as manager is safe should he fail to win the title but the Blues are now in danger of not qualifying for the Champions League, something that could test billionaire owner Roman Abramovich's patience to the limit.
Quizzed on what the defeat might mean for his job security, Villas-Boas said: "You'll have to ask that question to the owner, but I have no other information on the contract."
Pressed further on whether a top four finish was a minimum requirement, he replied: "I think the minimum requirement for a club like this is first place."
He added ahead of Monday's game at Wolves: "Now we are fifth, below the top four. But we have to wait and see. It can change within 48 hours, though. That's a good thing. We have a chance to produce something."
Villa manager Alex McLeish hailed the victory as his finest moment since taking charge.
"It's my most satisfying day so far, but I'm hoping there are many more to come," said the former Birmingham boss, who has struggled to win over the Villa fans.
"I'm a guy who perseveres, who gets back up after being knocked down pretty regularly.
"The players can enjoy this tonight - I don't mean going out on the town, but in terms of confidence levels."
He added after what was only Villa's second win in eight games: "The players were outstanding. They never gave up, went to the final whistle."
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