Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has failed to clarify if he will lead the national team to the World Cup if it qualifies, although he says his contract ends “whenever the World Cup journey ends”.

Postecoglou told the ABC’s Australian Story that he was only focused on the games against Hondouras that will decide Australia’s World Cup fate.

“If we don’t get over Honduras, then my tenure ends, right. That’s the reality, so everything else is conjecture,” he said.

“Why would I think about anything else other than trying to get past the next two games?”

Postecoglou has refused to confirm or deny the reports of his departure, and said he is “not interested” who leaked the story.

“I literally spend zero time thinking about that – that’s other people’s narrative,” Postecoglou said.

“It’s been like this my whole career … I do like to challenge in everything I do, so this is kind of my normal.”

Two weeks ago, the Socceroos squeezed past Syria in extra time, thanks to two goals from veteran star striker Tim Cahill.

The 2-1 win booked Australia its place in the next stage of the do-or-die World Cup qualification, with two home-and-away matches to be played against Honduras next month.

Postecoglou said he felt he had the backing of Football Federation Australia and the players to get the job done.

Tim Cahill scored an extra-time winner to send Australia to the next play-off.

“Absolutely. I wouldn’t be in this position if I didn’t,” he said. “I’ve had nothing but backing … [FFA CEO] David Gallop has been fantastic for me … everything I’ve asked for I’ve got, so from that perspective, it’s exactly as it should be.”

Postecoglou denies speculation that he is being undermined or that he has lost the respect of the team.

“I think the players respect me, they don’t need to love me, and I think I have the players’ respect,” he said.

“We’ve got an absolutely crucial couple of games coming up and I’ll have literally two training sessions with the players.

“My whole focus and everything I’ll be doing is to make sure that we get the job done. I want us to qualify for another World Cup.”

Asked what his intentions are after the Honduras matches, the coach said: “Hopefully to celebrate. Because if not, my tenure ends.”

The former Brisbane Roar coach said whatever the future held, he would be working in the sport.

“You’ve got to be thinking about it … to be honest, I’d be making plans if we weren’t successful, because I want to be working,” Postecoglou said.

“I don’t want to be not working … that’s not how I’m wired.”

The Socceroos play Honduras on Friday, November 10 (Saturday November 11 AEDT) before the home tie in Sydney on Wednesday, November 15.

It is likely a charter flight will be arranged for the team to head home ahead of commercial flight schedules to assist with preparation for the second leg at the Olympic stadium.

-with ABC