The club has confirmed that discussions on Merrick's contract, which is set to expire next February, will be put on hold until later on the season as both club and coach want to focus on the team's on-field performances.

Merrick refused to comment of the decision to put back contract talks, but the double championship winning coach has said the uncertainly over his future won't distract him from the job at hand.

"I've got no comment to make on it. I've never discussed anyone's contract and I won't be publicly discussing mine," he said.

"I will never deviate from what my job is, which is focussing on how the team plays and it's about team performance, and neither will the players change. The way we are playing has demonstrated that until now.

"I've got a job to do and I'm going to be very professional in doing that job."

While remaining tight-lipped on his negotiations, Merrick did say that his intentions were to remain in charge of the club and he had not entertained thoughts of looking elsewhere.

"I'm a Melbourne Victory coach and I hope to remain here," he said.

Muscat, considered by many as Merrick's natural successor, is expected to retire at the end of the season, triggering a coaching contract for the club which will run for two years. The veteran defender said at this stage he wants to serve his apprenticeship and doesn't see himself as the man to replace Merrick.

"At this point and time, I've got 12 months minimum to run on my football contract," said Muscat. "I'm only going to say it once, but I've said I want to do a thorough apprenticeship and my views haven't changed, and my apprenticeship hasn't even started.

"Ernie's record speaks for itself. He's very popular in the playing group. But I'm not going to get into discussing players contracts or any contracts."

While it is highly-likely Merrick will receive a new deal considering his success at the club, Muscat does not believe that means he will need to look elsewhere if he is going to move into a head coaching job in the future.

Muscat added: "I'm contracted to the football club for two years when I retire. I'm not in a position to speak to other clubs.

"I'm not even thinking about the end of the season. I'm thinking of playing against Wellington at home."

Meanwhile, Muscat has raised concern over the standard of the Etihad Stadium pitch, saying it is not yet up to standard after heavy traffic during the AFL season.

"It looks a lot better than it is to be honest," he said. "You ask me a question, I'll give you an honest answer, it's not great.

"I'm pretty sure when the finals football finished, it will be in the superb condition it has been for the last four years but at this time it's not great."