Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has said Thomas Tuchel "is his own man" after the coach's outburst at a news conference following Saturday's loss at Frankfurt.
Tuchel was strongly critical of his side's performance in the 2-1 loss, telling reporters they had been "deficient" technically, tactically, mentally and in terms of their awareness.
His comments were met with what local media called "a deafening silence" from the Dortmund hierarchy, with some claiming that showed there was a rift between coach and hierarchy.
But Watzke told the official Dortmund website: "Anyone who knows [sporting director] Michael Zorc and I, and who has seen how coaches operate under us at BVB, will know that they act completely on their own authority with regard to the sporting leadership of the team. We believe this is how it should be.
"If not Thomas Tuchel, then whose job is it to criticise the performance and the approach of the players?
"Thomas was very disappointed after that match, but it is not our responsibility to comment publicly on the coach's criticism. Thomas is his own man."
Tabloid Bild claimed Tuchel's outburst could lead to him leaving the club when his current deal expires in 2018, despite earlier statements from Watzke hinting at a contract extension.
Watzke said that interpretation had surprised the club.
Meanwhile, Zorc described a Bild report that attacker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had attended a Dortmund disco following Saturday's defeat as "a non-story."
He said the Gabon international "broke no rules" and did not have to fear a fine.