Csaba Laszlo claimed he would be sacked as Hearts boss if he came clean about whether he will be allowed to buy a striker in January.
Laszlo's frustration spilled over after he was forced to watch his goal-shy team fail to find the net for the third straight Clydesdale Bank Premier League game, with Saturday afternoon's Edinburgh derby ending in a goalless draw.
Asked if he hoped to be able to buy a striker when the transfer window re-opens, Laszlo said: "If I give you an answer about this situation, I will not be the coach here tomorrow.
"This is the truth."
Laszlo hinted he may be prepared to walk away from Hearts back in August if he was not given funds to bring in a forward before the previous transfer window closed.
Majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov refused to cave in and Laszlo appears to fear the consequences of another public outburst.
