Interim All Whites coach Darren Bazeley concedes the uncertainty over the future of his role with New Zealand Football is taking a toll on himself and his family.
Following the exit of Danny Hay as All Whites head coach in October 2022, New Zealand Football is still to appoint his full-time successor.
In February, NZ Football said it was in discussions with its preferred candidate to fill the role, which Newshub understands was Canada manager John Herdman.
However, Herdman re-signed with Canada not long after, and while NZ Football has always maintained discussions with the preferred candidate were still ongoing, four months have passed without an appointment.
In the interim, Bazeley has stepped up to the mark to take charge of the All Whites until a permanent solution can be found, leading the New Zealand men's side in two friendlies against China earlier this year.
With more than one stint as head coach of New Zealand at age group level and also as an assistant to the All Whites, Bazeley was overlooked for the role.
In the time since, senior All Whites Chris Wood and Tommy Smith have both been vocal in their support for Bazeley to take the role permanently.
The 50-year-old will continue to act as All Whites interim coach in the upcoming international window, with New Zealand to face Sweden and Qatar in Europe.
The fixtures come after Bazeley also led New Zealand at the Under 20 Football World Cup in Argentina, where the Junior All Whites reached the round of 16 before being eliminated by the USA.
But with no sign of an end to the race to replace Hay as full-time All Whites coach, Bazeley opened up on the impact of the uncertainty, even if he is grateful for the opportunity.
"It's quite unsettling for myself and the family, not knowing what's going to happen around the corner," said Bazeley.
"But I'm a pretty positive and optimistic person. To be honest, it's a great job and great position I've been given, and I'm enjoying it.
"I enjoyed the China window, I enjoyed the Under 20 World Cup, and now I get to go to Europe and work with this fantastic group of players. I'm not stressing too much.
"It's a little unsettling with what's going to happen next. But right now I'm going to enjoy it, and make sure that I give it my best, make sure that it's organised and professional for the players and they're ready to get on the pitch and perform."
Aside from Bazeley, now-former Wellington Phoenix head coach Ufuk Talay also missed out on the All Whites head coaching role.
For now, though, Bazeley adds that he's just as eager for resolution to the All Whites coaching saga, as it continues to drag on.
"I think everybody's hoping it gets done soon, and everybody can move forward.
"Whatever that is, I'll deal with and we'll deal with."
