Slaven Bilic was so distraught after West Ham’s calamitous defeat by Brighton he appeared to be convinced he was about to be fired.
Members of boss Bilic ’s squad were expecting a dressing-room rollicking and raised voices after being humiliated 3-0 at home by the newly-promoted Seagulls last Friday.
Instead, Mirror Sport has learned, their despondent manager simply came in, shook the hands of his players and staff, then walked out again.
The reaction, and accompanying silence, left a number of the stars — who were themselves ready to voice their fury over the performance — mystified.
It was reminiscent of what happened after another 3-0 defeat to a promoted side, away at Newcastle in just the third game of the top-flight campaign.
Then, Bilic is understood to have said his farewells to players in anticipation of the axe.
After being spared the boot, he admits that he is still in a “do-or-die situation” ahead of Wednesday's Carabao Cup last-16 trip to fierce rivals Tottenham, and taking his side — out of the drop-zone only on goal difference — to fellow strugglers Crystal Palace on Saturday.
But he insists his belief in himself hasn’t been shaken.
The 49-year-old former West Ham centre-half said: “Every time we were in a do-or-die situation, we’ve done — we’ve won.
“Was it Palace last season away? Was it two home games against Burnley and Hull in the space of a few days? Was it the game against Swansea at home? Spurs at home?
“Every time we had to do it, we’ve done it.
“It’s a very important couple games for us, but after that it’s going to be a couple of very important games again.
“Every time, after the game, I have a conversation with the chairman. We agreed we have to get points very, very soon.
“You ask me about [Everton, who also have eight points from the first nine games, this week sacking boss Ronald] Koeman.
There are always three, four, five managers in those [precarious] positions — and I’m definitely one of them.
“Does it make me lose my focus? No, it gives you even more. I never gave up in my career, no matter in which way of life — as a parent, as a friend, as a manager. That’s my biggest strength, to be strong in hard times. Now I’m having a hard time, yes.
“That doesn’t scare me.”
West Ham players put their views across during crisis talks on Monday that were initiated by Mark Noble after the skipper held a meeting with Bilic earlier in the day.
The Croatian admitted he is “a bit” surprised West Ham’s situation had reached that point after his summer spending seemed to plug many of their gaps.
He added: “Of course there is disappointment. In every job I’ve had in the bad times I never hide behind anything I simply I don’t want to do it.
“Even for some things that are not my responsibility I take it because it’s the way I want to do. That’s it.
“I never walked away in my life. So there is no problem with my motivation and dedication for the club.”