Carlton president Mark LoGuidice is adamant that speculation over Mick Malthouse's future beyond this season will not become a distraction as the Blues attempt to return to the finals.
Malthouse is in the final season of the three-year deal he signed when he took over from Brett Ratten, with LoGuidice on Monday reaffirming the club's desire to put off any negotiations on a contract extension until the second half of the season.
After reaching the finals in his first year in charge, Carlton managed just seven wins last season to finish in 13th place leading some to question whether the 61-year-old is the right person to lead the club back up the ladder.
But despite the threat of potentially destabilising speculation over Malthouse's position, LoGuidice is sticking firmly to his wait and see approach.
"I've made it very clear, and it's not going to change, that our conversations with Mick will be at the back half of the year - that hasn't changed," LoGuidice said.
"We're very happy with the way that Mick's coaching and we're very happy with the way our football team is going at the moment. I don't see that changing at all.
"We're all very happy with the way that our relationship with Mick is. It's not a distraction for the club at all.
"Mick Malthouse will coach Carlton Football Club this year."
LoGuidice would not be drawn on what it would take for Malthouse to extend his tenure beyond this season, but added that he expected improvement across the board after a disappointing 2014 campaign.
"Make no mistake that we look to win every single game every time we walk out on the park," he said.
"What that ends up being? If that's finals then that's what we'll play, but we expect to go out on the park and win every single game."
Asked if that position could change if losses started to mount, the Blues' president was unambiguous in his reply.
"I'm happy for you to keep asking me the same question about Mick all year, but you'll get the same answer," he said.
"That's where we stand."
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