Tottenham boss Antonio Conte says he does not expect the club to sack him before the end of the season.
But Conte, who is expected to leave Spurs when his contract ends this summer, said on Thursday the comment was "a joke".
"This was a provocation you understand? About my future," Conte said.
"A provocation, a joke. When you tell something, to joke.
"You [reporters] asked me about the future and I said that you don't know what happens, because maybe the club can sack me.
"But I repeat, I don't think the club is thinking this.