McDermott, who has suspended former Toon midfielder from training (for claiming Reading were a long-ball team), appears to have assurances from new Reading owner Anton Zingarevich and insisted he had no fears over his own position.
Brian McDermott: "I've been in this game 30-odd years and that's something I've never ever concerned myself about.
"We're all working to get the same goal.
"We're all - absolutely everybody - on the same page.
"This is good pressure.
"We're playing in the greatest league in the world, we're playing in front of a full house, everybody at the training ground is working their socks off to have the best environment that we possibly can.
"You saw the spirit within the group on Saturday against Fulham.
"Any manager in this league or any league is under pressure. We live our life under pressure."
Danny Guthrie has played down talk of a row with the Reading boss, even though his comments on McDermott's "long ball game" were noted by the club.
Guthrie was left out of the team that drew 3-3 with Fulham before talk of a training ground spat with his manager followed over the weekend.
But the former Newcastle United midfielder said: “I spoke to the manager and he had his reasons for not picking me and that remains between us. There was no bust-up.
“It’s frustrating for me because I want to help this team.
“Not having that win has made it harder, but I know the first one of the season is just around the corner.
“I understand that some games I might have to play out of position.
“My best position remains in central midfield and that’s where I played my best football for Newcastle United last season.
“It’s a given that I just have to get on with it and work hard in training for now and make sure I’m ready and fully prepared when I’m needed.
“I feel that I have a lot of experience in this league.
“I’ve played in the Premier League for most of my career and know how to win games.”