Rutten, who was effectively cast aside when new Essendon president David Barham launched an audacious last-minute pursuit of Alastair Clarkson, says he has "no expectations" beyond his side's clash with Richmond on Saturday night.

Clarkson penned a five-year deal with North Melbourne on Friday morning.

Barham admitted he should have instantly called Rutten on Monday when speculation took off the coach would be sacked, and apologised to him.

But asked if he wanted to remain coach beyond Saturday night and whether he felt undermined, Rutten didn't directly offer an answer.

"I've spoken to Dave ... he's said there's some things if he had his time again he'd do them differently and we've had a conversation around that," he told reporters.

"That indicates I don't think he was entirely pleased with the way things have transpired throughout the course of the week.

"I listened to what Dave had to say, he was very good and listened to what I had to say.

"It's important he understands what we're building here, the direction we're going as a club, and I've just got a lot of belief in what we're doing here at the football club ... this week, if anything has only underlined that for me."

Despite the circumstances, Rutten remained fiercely committed to coaching the Bombers against the Tigers to honour his players and the club at large.

"I fundamentally made a commitment to the football club, the members, supporters and my players to coach them as well and as hard as I can, and I'm not going to let them down now," he said.

"Now's the time where they need strong leadership, strong direction."

Australian Associated Press