Thomas Tuchel has insisted he wants to stay on as Borussia Dortmund coach ahead of talks on his future this week, despite facing criticism from captain Marcel Schmelzer after Saturday's DFB Pokal triumph.
Dortmund beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 in the German cup final despite reports of a serious rift between Tuchel and the majority of the club, including the hierarchy and a significant part of his squad.
The 43-year-old coach, who brought Dortmund their first trophy in five years, is expected to leave the club this week despite having a year remaining on his deal.
However, Tuchel -- who hugged president Reinhard Rauball and CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke after the game -- said he wants to remain at the club.
"I want to fulfil my contract, but I don't want to be naive," he said. "I enjoy working with the lads, and I do what I can do with heart and passion in my own way."
Even so, Tuchel added more fuel to the fire on Saturday when not naming midfielder Nuri Sahin in the squad in spite of Julian Weigl's ankle injury.
He started centre-back Matthias Ginter in his place, and was forced to move the Germany international back into defence following a difficult first half in which Dortmund's build-up play was stifled.
BVB captain Schmelzer told reporters after the match: "I was just shocked. I don't get it. If we have to do without a player like Julian Weigl, Nuri Sahin's the only one who can also do it.
"We back Nuri. He's a super lad and a class footballer, and that's why I am especially happy that we were able to finally win the cup for him and Marco Reus."
Dortmund winger Reus -- reportedly facing six months out with the injury he picked up during the game -- added: "We were all surprised."
Former Real Madrid and Liverpool midfielder Sahin said on ARD: "I don't want to talk about it, otherwise..."
Some members of the squad have backed Tuchel -- including Marc Bartra, who thanked the former Mainz boss for "giving me the trust I needed to play at a high level" -- it appears the coach's days at the Westfalenstadion are numbered.
Asked about the chances of Tuchel and forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remaining at the club this summer, Ginter told kicker: "I think it's a similar situation."
Speaking to ESPN FC, Tuchel's advisor, Olaf Meinking, said: "We'll enter the announced talks on an equal footing."