Head coach Marcelo Loffreda admitted Leicester's dramatic 31-28 win over Harlequins may have saved his job.
The Tigers stole the final Premiership play-off spot from Quins when winger Tom Varndell scored in the 77th minute.
"My job would have been in question if we hadn't made Europe," said the under-pressure Argentine.
"Anything can happen in this league because it is always so tight. Nobody would have bet £1 on us today, but we are in the play-offs."
Champions Leicester had began the day in sixth, needing a bonus-point victory over the Quins, as well as Sale losing to London Irish to qualify for the final play-off spot.
At one stage the Tigers had been languishing in seventh place when Quins were leading, but second-half tries from Johne Murphy and Varndell ensured Loffreda's side will face Premiership table-toppers Gloucester at Kingsholm on 18 May.
Loffreda's position at Welford Road had been increasingly under threat after defeat in the EDF Energy Cup final to the Ospreys, as well as inconsistent league and Heineken Cup form.
606: DEBATENatal coach Dick Muir claimed he had been approached about replacing Loffreda, but the man who led Argentina to the World Cup semi-finals has the opportunity to win over the Leicester fans.
"It has been a very difficult week with all that has been going on with the rumours and press talk," he said.
"All week everyone has been doubting what I can do and what I am expected to do.
"I have been in other situations with a lot of pressure but it was different pressure with the Pumas."
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