Wellington's fourth-round away match against defending champions Melbourne Victory on Monday was well off the agenda, Merrick instead fielding a barrage of questions on the Phoenix's A-League future.
Wellington's request for a 10-year licence was declined by Football Federation Australia earlier this week, throwing the club's future into doubt.
They have instead been offered the option of requesting a four-year licence until the end of the 2019/20 season.
The FFA last year extended the length of the licences of all nine Australia-based clubs until 2034.
Merrick made it clear his focus is centred on making sure the Phoenix continue the encouraging on-field form which has them third on the ladder with two wins from three starts, including Saturday's entertaining 3-2 win over Brisbane Roar.
"We're really focused on winning games of football. Training performance has been outstanding, we've won our last two matches, and I don't expect any change."
Is he concerned with the current situation? - "For me personally, it's not a worry at all. I've really focused on on-field matters, I'll leave the board and (owners) Welnix group to handle the affairs of the club."
Does he find the FFA's stance annoying? - "I wouldn't let my personal feelings get involved."
What about the lack of clarity surround the situation? - "I'm quite sure that's what our chairman is discussing with (FFA head) David Gallop over the next week or two."
Is long-term job security a concern? - "I'm looking forward to making it into the finals and taking it from there.
"I'm an optimistic person, a very positive person and I don't think of the worst-case scenarios. That's why I'm a football coach."
