“I’m walking out of here really proud of my team and proud of the fight they put in.
“We’ve got a few days off, which will be good for the boys to get away and look at some things we need to be better at. It’s business as usual for us.”
Demetriou held a 27-second interview on Friday, but at Accor Stadium he said there was no point answering questions about his job before the game. He joked that his interview lasted longer than a few conducted with fellow coaches Wayne Bennett and Ricky Stuart.
“For me, it’s my job. I’ll review the game like I always do,” Demetriou said.
“I’ll enjoy spending some time with my wife and my girls tomorrow. That’s important because they ride this roller coaster as much as anybody does.
“I won’t walk around with my head down. I’ve got no reason to. I’ve worked my backside off to get into this position as head coach of one of the biggest rugby league clubs in the world.
“I’m really proud I get to represent these boys, our fans, members, staff, and I’m excited about turning it around. If that changes, time will tell.”
Rabbitohs players during their loss to the Sharks.Credit: Getty
Souths head into the bye and then meet Melbourne at AAMI Park followed by premiers Penrith.
Debutant Jye Gray had some nice touches against the Sharks, while Tom Burgess took it to Cronulla in the second half.
“Maybe he deserves at least another week with a fit side,” Greg Alexander said on Fox League.
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has been linked to an interim role at the club, but he criticised Souths about the coaching debate earlier on Saturday when working for Fox League.
Loading
He made it clear he had no interest in the short-term gig if it meant relinquishing his job with Australia.
“Poor old Jason Demetriou, I feel so sorry for him,” Meninga said.
“Every time he’s mentioned or does an interview, my name is mentioned, but I haven’t heard anything official, so it’s still a mystery to me.
“I’m hopping on a plane tomorrow with my kids to go to Vanuatu for a bit of a break.
“If it’s going to impede or prevent me from coaching the Australian side at the end of the year, then it’s probably a big fat ‘no’ from me. If no one is willing to step up and talk on behalf of the club and tell exactly what’s happening, that to me is a sign that you maybe shouldn’t get involved with that club.”
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
NRL is Live and Free on Channel 9 & 9Now