West Coast great Glen Jakovich was only joking when he predicted John Worsfold would be sacked by round 12, according to the current Eagles coach.

On Tuesday, Jakovich spoke at a sponsorship function where he predicted "John Worsfold will be sacked by Round 12 and replaced by interim coach Peter Sumich".

Jakovich later claimed the statement was made in jest and Worsfold, who was Jakovich's captain in West Coast's 1992 and '94 premiership triumphs, said the comments wouldn't affect their friendship.

"Jako is a good mate. I've got a great relationship with Glen Jakovich, (both) as a good friend and as a champion of our footy club," Worsfold said on Thursday.

"We had a giggle (about how the comments were reported) and I said 'you'll learn mate ... that whether you say things light-heartedly in whatever forum, it's open slather for people to use how they want'.

"Obviously someone chose to use Glen's comments (in) what he would say is out of the context he said them in.

"I mean, he may still really think that, but he's entitled to think that."

Worsfold is out of contract at season's end and under pressure to produce results after three years out of the finals, including last year's wooden spoon campaign.

Despite the constant speculation surrounding his future, the 2006 premiership coach is showing no signs of cracking ahead of a make-or-break season, even joking about the words now associated with his name.

"I enjoy reading people's opinions and seeing how they word it," Worsfold said.

"The word besieged - it's a great word, I'm reading that (about me).

"I don't know if it's a title or not.

"Who's besieged next? There's always someone besieged so at the moment it's me.

"I challenge the journos to come up with a better word or a new word.

"But no, it's outside my control (all) the talk and the writings about it.

"What's in my control is enjoying coaching and enjoying working with a great young group of players and going into another real tough season."

West Coast kick off their campaign against North Melbourne at Patersons Stadium on Sunday, followed by matches against Port Adelaide (away) and Sydney (home).

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