According to his loyal assistant, however, the genial Frenchman is not on the verge of losing his treasured role at the club.
Thompson said: "Things were taken out of context this week. We know we want Champions League football and that is all the chairman was saying, it is important this club is in the top competition.
"But that is all he was saying. There was nothing malicious, nobody was being put under threat, certainly not the boss.
"We know we are under pressure to play at the top level, and nobody knows that better than the boss.
"We are not shying away from the responsibility or the situation, we know we all want Champions League football. And that is everybody, the players and the staff, and the chairman and the board.
"We are all in this together, and the spirit is there. Why did Steven Gerrard sign a new contract? It is because he sees the way this club is running, and will do in the future with Gerard in charge.
"The club is going in the right direction, that is why he committed himself and I am quite sure Michael Owen will do the same."