Diego Maradona has denied threatening to quit as Argentina coach.
Maradona, whose team are in real danger of missing out on the World Cup, had seemed to cast doubt over his future during a news conference on Wednesday.
But the 48-year-old said the media had misinterpreted his comments about meeting Argentine Football Association president Julio Grondona.
"I'm not giving up nor am I going. I never said I could resign. I'm asking the media for some respect," he said.
"I only said that after the qualifiers I had to meet with Grondona about what has happened this year. It was you (the media) who said about resigning."
Argentina lie fifth in their regional standings with two qualifiers remaining.
They could face a play-off to reach next summer's finals depending on their results against Peru, on 10 October, and Uruguay.
Maradona was quoted as recently saying: "When Grondona called me to his house and offered me the job, I told him I was the happiest person in the world.
"But after that things happened that I didn't like and I will speak about them later.
"If I continue it will be under my conditions. After the qualifiers I will talk to Julio."
Maradona has come under pressure following a run of poor results including a 6-1 drubbing by Bolivia in March since succeeding Alfio Basile last November.
Three successive defeats by Ecuador, Brazil and Paraguay have left Argentina fifth in the South American standings and in serious danger of failing to qualify for South Africa.
Much of the blame has been placed on Maradona, who has been criticised for a perceived lack of team strategy and selection consistency.
Although Maradona did not specify his conditions, it is believed that he is unhappy with technical director Carlos Bilardo's interference in team affairs.
Local media reports have said the two are barely on speaking terms.
Brazil and Paraguay have already qualified from the South American group, with Chile almost through, but Ecuador, Argentina, Uruguay, Venezuela and Colombia are all in contention for fourth.
The team finishing fifth faces a play-off against the fourth-placed team from the North, Central America and Caribbean region.
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