John Aloisi has no fears for his job as the under-fire Western United mentor prepares to coach against his brother for the first time.
Western United (1-6), on a six-game losing streak during which they've mustered just one goal, host Ross Aloisi's high-flying Brisbane Roar (4-2-1) at AAMI Park on Friday.
Pressure is mounting on John Aloisi's position at the club he won the A-League title with just two seasons ago, his brother now in the awkward position of twisting the knife in further if the Roar can stretch their unbeaten streak to five games.
John labelled their 4-0 last-round loss to Central Coast as the worst performance he had seen from the club.
But the former Socceroos great hinted at deeper issues within the Melbourne club, and insists he's safe, regardless of Friday's result.
"No. No. I don't think it's under threat," he said of his job.
"Because I know what's happening within the football club.
"The results are one thing. Of course, we're not happy with the results.
"This is a difficult moment for the whole football club, not just results, everything in general.
"I don't come out publicly and say what's going on because that's not my place.
"I'm the one that will stand in front of the camera and be criticised, and I accept that."
Ross, in his first season as a head coach, served as John's assistant for four years in Brisbane before stints at Adelaide and Japan's J1 champions Yokohama F Marinos.
"My brother's my best friend, so obviously it's uncomfortable when I see him not doing as well as what he should be doing," Ross said.
"But it's another game. I see past that.
"It's an unpleasant situation at the moment, but I'm sure he'll get through it."
The pair used to chat daily, but, while still on good terms, those conversations have become less frequent since both have assumed head coaching duties.
It didn't stop a random interaction on Thursday, with Ross appearing in the background of a virtual press conference with the Western United coach, before he addressed the media himself in Brisbane.
"There he is," John said.
"He's the best coach in the world. Is that what he wanted me to say?"
John had earlier lauded Ross's instant impact at the second-placed Roar, while Ross couldn't resist a chip at his younger brother when asked if there might be some pitch-side squabbling in Melbourne.
"We don't argue, he just tells me off," he smirked.
However, there will be no more laughing until well after the final whistle on Friday.
"It will be a brief conversation after the game - one of us will be happy, or the other one might not be," John said.
"We leave each other until we calm down, then we'll chat."
