NEW YORK (AP) – If Willie Randolph was worried about losing his job, he never showed it.

He walked confidently into a packed news conference Monday, still the New York Mets’ manager after a much-anticipated meeting with team ownership that lasted about two hours.

The embattled skipper sat down with owner Fred Wilpon and his son, Jeff, the club’s chief operating officer, as well as general manager Omar Minaya to discuss two things in particular: the team’s sluggish play, and Randolph’s comments last week about his portrayal on Mets broadcasts in which he raised the issue of race.

Randolph subsequently apologized for those statements and tried reaching out to ownership with a telephone call.

The Wilpons said they’d rather talk face-to-face, Minaya said, so the foursome scheduled a meeting for Memorial Day.

“Willie has my support. He has the support of our ownership,” Minaya said. “Willie’s job was never in danger going into this meeting.”

So, was he told he’ll definitely manage the Mets for the rest of the season?

“No, they didn’t say that,” Randolph answered.

In other words, he needs to start winning.

Randolph’s contract runs through the 2009 season, but his $138 million team was a disappointing 23-25 as New York opened a seven-game homestand Monday night against NL East-leading Florida.

Despite a talented roster, the Mets began the day four games below .500 since June 1 last year.

And, of course, they missed the 2007 playoffs following one of the worst late-season collapses in baseball history.

The poor play has led to fans calling for Randolph to be fired, and there was speculation he might be dismissed Monday following a 1-6 trip to Atlanta and Colorado.