Hearts manager Valdas Ivanauskas has stepped down for two weeks to resolve health problems, the Lithuanian said on the club's website.
Ivanauskas met owner Vladimir Romanov on Monday, sparking speculation that he would become the latest manager to be axed after the club's shock 2-0 home defeat to Kilmarnock on Saturday.
'Despite how it may seem, the meeting was not connected to the defeat on Saturday,' Ivanauskas said. 'I had been having some health problems earlier but now it is at the point where I cannot ignore them.
'I want to be, and must be, at the top of my physical and mental state. Therefore...I am taking two weeks' leave which I will spend on getting my health back.
'I will return in two weeks to my position as head coach. I hope our fans will understand my need for this.'
Ivanauskas said Monday's meeting had been his idea. 'It was my initiative to ask Vladimir for the meeting. He immediately said yes to it. He listened to all I said and it was great to feel his support and understanding.'
Romanov said: 'I have full confidence in Valdas and look forward to his return.'
Despite a turbulent campaign last season, when George Burley was axed in October while Hearts topped the Scottish Premier League and replacement Graham Rix was sacked before the Scottish FA Cup semi-finals, the club savoured success.
Ivanauskas steered them to the cup final where they beat Gretna on penalties and they also secured their first Champions League slot by finishing runners-up to Celtic in the League.
Russian-born coach Eduard Malofeev will act as caretaker, aided by assistant John McGlynn.
A club spokesman declined to elaborate on Ivanauskas's health problems.
