Andre Villas-Boas hit back at his critics after watching his Chelsea side beat Valencia 3-0 to book their passage into the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Chelsea were staring at a pre-Christmas exit from the European competition but first-half goals from Didier Drogba and Ramires sent the Blues on their way before Juan Mata wrapped up the victory in the second half.
The result propelled Chelsea to the top of Group E and Villas-Boas, who had found himself under increasing pressure at Stamford Bridge, believes the victory was a 'slap in the face' of the critics.
"It helps to score straight away in the game," Villas-Boas said. "It gave the team the right emotional stance for the rest of the game and gave a full boost in confidence.
"To get the second not long afterwards made the team even more confident on what was happening.
"In terms of the result and what happens in us finishing top, it's fantastic. It's against all odds.
"Nobody, or anybody here, would have bet on us finishing top, but it's happened and it is very, very gratifying for the team.
"The team were excellent. It is a win of human values, of team spirit, solidarity, responsibility, strength of character, ability to take criticism, resilience, and this is a great win for Chelsea players.
"They deserve a respect that they don't get.
"We've been continually chased by different kinds of people, but today we've given everybody (those critics) a slap in the face."
Like Chelsea, Manchester City could exit the competition if results do not go their way on Wednesday night but Villas-Boas believes they have not been scrutinised as much as his team.
"It (the coverage) has been over the top," he went on. "I hope they qualify for the Champions League knockout stage but the attitude to them is; if they qualify they qualify, if they don't they don't - we don't get that margin.
"It is unfortunate for you guys (the media) because you have to report on a brilliant win for Chelsea and we qualify first in the group. It is difficult for everybody and today this is difficult for you."