Sven-Goran Eriksson has admitted "it is a possibility" he could leave Manchester City.
The former England boss expects his future to be clarified by owner Thasksin Shinawatra after the Premier League final fixture at Middlesbrough.
However it is widely believed this will be the Swede's last game in charge, with Benfica waiting in the wings.
On the prospect of leaving the club, Eriksson said: "It is a possibility, of course it is.
"It is not a secret to anyone in the world of football. But we will see, nothing is confirmed.
"Let's play the last game and have a little bit of patience. The fact is we will probably know next week."
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin is dismayed at the club's apparent lack of progress.
Yet City could still make it in Europe next season after all through the Fair Play League.
UEFA have confirmed England will receive an extra European spot and Eriksson's side are now favourites to progress after the final round of games as the highest placed team who have not already qualified for Europe.
Eriksson could be heading for Portugal by then and a third spell at Benfica.
Club spokesman Ricardo Maia said: "More details about our future coach will be announced next week, when the Portuguese and Premier league finish.
"At the moment our coach vacancy has been centred on Eriksson and we will not reveal other names."
A UEFA Cup spot would be as good as it gets for City at the moment, according to Eriksson.
He believes the big four are out of reach and said: "In our case it is not realistic we should qualify for the Champions League.
"We are good but not that good. We do not have a squad up to the standard of Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United.
"Everyone who knows a little bit about football will agree to that.
"If you are being realistic I think where we are is where we deserve to be after one year."
Eriksson scoffed at suggestions he was disillusioned with football because of the confusion at City.
He said: "Football is great and life is great. The reason I accepted this job was that this is a big Premier League club.
"I like the club, I like the players we have, I like the project. But that's it.
"The players are working hard as we want to finish with a good game against Middlesbrough."
Meanwhile, City fans are to stage a march tomorrow outside the City of Manchester Stadium in support of Eriksson.
Supporters groups across the board are alarmed at the situation and want Eriksson to stay.
A petition with around 14,000 signatures on it, according to King of Kippax fanzine editor Dave Wallace, will be handed in to the club.
He said: "This is not anti-Thaksin, it is pro-Sven and will be a peaceful protest.
"Whether it will make any difference I do not know but at least the fans will be able to register their feelings and let the owner know they are not happy."
