Henk ten Cate has refused to discuss rumours he is favourite to become the next Netherlands boss, stating a push at the 2018 AFC Champions League is his next target.

Voetbal International has reported the 62-year-old is first choice to succeed Danny Blind, who was sacked last month following a 2-0 defeat to Bulgaria in World Cup 2018 qualifiers which leaves his nation in real danger of missing a second-successive major tournament.

But talking in a pre-match press conference ahead of the eliminated Pride of Abu Dhabi’s Asian match against Lekhwiya on Tuesday night, he said: “The only thing I want to speak about is Al Jazira playing against Lekhwiya and winning the (Arabian Gulf) league. That’s the only thing I’m focused on.

“Other things are not on my mind. I don’t want to speak on something which is rumour and enact on it.”

However, responding to a question about 2018’s continental competition following Jazira’s early Group B exit this time, the ex-Barcelona and Chelsea assistant intriguingly stated: “Next year, I promise you, the team is going to be better and more mature and we will focus on the Champions League.”

Ten Cate – who has a contract until summer 2018 – has performed miracles at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium since he took over a relegation-threatened outfit in December 2015. He went on to win the 2016 President’s Cup and is poised to claim the club’s first Arabian Gulf League-crown since 2010/11 this weekend.

Netherlands are fourth in World Cup qualifying’s Group A, six points behind leaders France and three behind second-placed Sweden.