Chris Coleman praised his Fulham players after they soared to fourth in the Premiership by beating Leicester 2-0 at Loftus Road.
Coleman, who has just 11 months' coaching experience behind him, has used the critics' harsh words about his side as a motivational tool through the early stages of the season.
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Fulham manager
Chris Coleman |
The Cottagers are now half-a-dozen places higher than their best-ever top-flight finish of 10th.
Coleman said: "We're sitting fourth and nobody expected us to be there at any stage of the season.
"Any manager will tell you they're in the hands of their players - and my players have responded.
"It's so far, so good. I'll be happy if we've proved all the critics wrong at the end of the season,
"It's been a good start and there's a good vibe around the club. Now we have to keep that going.
"Our performances have been battling but we also have ability in Boa Morte, Louis Saha and Steed Malbranque.
"Luis' brilliant. He's done well all season and is scoring every week.
"His confidence is high. He's a nightmare for defenders at the best of times, so with the form he's in at the moment, he's extra-special."
Coleman admitted to a few nerves after Steed Malbranque missed a penalty just before half-time.
The Frenchman was distracted by an argument with Louis Saha over who should take the spot-kick and shot tamely at Ian Walker.
Coleman explained: "Steed took our penalties last season because Louis was injured a lot. So there was a bit of a mix up today.
"But, after Steed's miss, Louis told him to keep his head up - which shows our team spirit."