Singapore coach Gavin Lee confirms contract extension talks since AFC Asian Cup postponement

SINGAPORE -- Masterminding Singapore's historic first AFC Asian Cup qualification on merit, then in an interim capacity, earned Gavin Lee the chance to lead them at the tournament -- as he was handed the head coach role on a permanent basis until the conclusion of the continental showpiece - then scheduled to take place at the start of 2027.

Nonetheless, with the postponement of the competition -- to be hosted in Saudi Arabia -- to next December and through to the following January due to regional security concerns, uncertainty has since arisen over his future.

The obvious scenario is for his current deal with the Football Association of Singapore to be extended until the end of the Lions' Asian Cup campaign -- which will only be their second appearance after they hosted the tournament in 1984 - and reports have suggested that this will be the case.

However, when questioned about the matter on the eve of Singapore's meeting with Paraguay on Saturday - the first of two glamour friendlies which will be followed by a mouthwatering clash with five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil next week at The Mizuho Blue Challenge -- Lee was keen not to give anything away prematurely, although he did confirm that talks with the FAS had taken place.

"You're trying to checkmate me, huh?" he replied, with a smirk, when probed for an update in Friday's prematch news conference. "Trying to make me say things I cannot say?

"I've said this many times before and I'll say it again: to be the head coach of the national team, there's no better job in the country.

"It's a very proud moment for me and my family. It's a true privilege. And we started the journey together, trying to qualify for the Asian Cup -- and now we've qualified. Me and the staff and the boys want to go out there and compete, embrace the challenge and really enjoy the competition.

"Unfortunately, the situation happens as it is so, right now, the fact is we have had conversations with the federation [FAS], between me and the staff and the guys above, and an announcement will be made in due time."

Instead, Lee's immediate focus will be on getting his charges to rise to the occasion when they play two teams that only a few months ago featured in the knockout round of the World Cup.

"You don't get to play Paraguay every day," he added.

"First and foremost, we can't let the context define us or intimidate us.

"We already know it's going to be a difficult challenge but we want to be uncomfortable. It's part of our growth and learning process.

"I think all of us are excited and we just cannot wait to get started tomorrow."