Staunton claims to have received assurances from Football Association of Ireland chiefs that his job is safe, regardless of the result of the clash with the Czech Republic.
But that was not the message from FAI chief executive John Delaney when specifically asked about the issue just three hours after Staunton had spoken.
With fans turning against Staunton after four straight defeats, including Saturday's horror-show in Cyprus, it appears Staunton stands alone tonight as a makeshift team prepare to fight for his career as Ireland boss.
At least Staunton's defiance was unequivocal as he said: 'I have full faith in what I have. We just have to bide our time and ride the storm.
'It's now up to the lads to go out there and show those supporters what they can do. That's all we can do.
'We will give everything we've got. As long as I see the passion for the green jersey, then that's all you can ask of them, to give their all. That's it.
'The performance on Saturday has gone. We know defensively we were very poor. I wasn't happy with it, but there's nothing we can do about it now.
'With 10 matches remaining, we have to look forward, and I know everybody in that dressing room is going to try their hardest for the supporters.
'We have great fans and I'd appeal to them to stick with us because we have young lads in there and they will be doing their utmost for that green jersey.'
Those youngsters include centre-back Paul McShane, who will make his debut, while full-back Stephen Kelly and goalkeeper Wayne Henderson will make their first competitive starts.
Aiden McGeady went over on his ankle in training, ruling out the Celtic winger.
Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny and Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland (both hamstring), along with Portsmouth defender Andy O'Brien and Reading striker Kevin Doyle (both ankle) are also all out, taking the absentee list to 14.
'I'm not making excuses, but I don't think many countries could cope with the amount of injuries we've had,' said Staunton.
'Even at club level I've never known an injury crisis like this, but we have to get on with it, and it's a great opportunity for the likes of Paul McShane.'
Andy Reid, Alan Quinn and Lee Carsley are all in contention, with the latter back in the fold after spending the last two-and-a-half years in retirement.
Ireland are unfancied against a Czech team who have won all their three Group D matches.
Staunton has been in charge for just 10 months and believes he will be in charge for November's visit of San Marino.
Asked whether he had been given any reassurances, Staunton replied: 'Yes. Everything is fine.
'I'm going to be here next month no matter what is written and no matter what happens tonight.'
Delaney, though, said: 'I won't get into that.
'We've a game we want to play, with 36,000 people coming to it.
'Of course we're disappointed with the Cyprus result. It was a poor performance, there's no doubt about that.
'But it's about this game, about people getting behind Stephen and the management team, and let's hope we get the performance we all want.
'We don't comment on contracts unless we've something to say. I won't say he is in for this match or that match. We haven't done it in the past, and we won't do it in the future.'