Southampton manager Nathan Jones couldn't resist a dig at one of his critics after beating Pep Guardiola's Manchester City to advance to the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Jones' side were superb as they beat City 2-0 at St Mary's to reach the last four, with first half goals from Sekou Mara and Moussa Djenepo proving enough to beat the below par visitors.
City failed to have a shot on target in a miserable defeat, with Jones earning a third victory in cup competitions since arriving at Southampton, despite a run of four straight Premier League defeats which have left Saints bottom of the table.
That form has seen the Welshman fiercely criticised in some quarters, with Havant & Waterlooville boss Paul Doswell last week taking to local radio to claim that Jones wasn't up to the job.
Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, National League South boss Doswell said: "He’s out of his depth, and not only out of his depth but by some way as well.
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"I hate to say that, but it is true. He’s out of his depth by some way and his coaches are too."
Sekou Mara opened the scoring for Southampton (Southampton FC via Getty Images)Speaking at his press conference after beating City, Jones couldn't resist biting back at Doswell as he reflected on the criticism he has faced.
"I don't know if I changed perceptions [of himself and his side]," he said. "Within 10 minutes of the Brighton game [a 3-1 defeat on Boxing Day], I was inept.
"The non-league manager criticised me the other day. It baffled me. I don't speak about Havant & Waterlooville. I don't speak about levels I don't know about."
Jones went on to praise the display of his side, who will now face Newcastle in the two-legged semi-final later this month.
"Really proud of the football club tonight. Proud of the players and the coaching staff for making strong decisions under pressure," he said.
"Their manager is the most innovative, he will always have solutions. The changes we made brought energy and we saw out the game. We weren't hanging on, we were a threat at times so I am really proud of the team.
Nathan Jones has won all three cup ties his overseen, but lost all four games in the Premier League (Getty Images)"The team hasn't scored enough goals. We have to be a more potent force. Sekou [Mara] scored his first goal and that is brilliant. We want to be a front-footed side that keeps clean sheets and scores goals."
Jones pleaded for time as he aims to take his side up the Premier League table, starting with a trip to Everton on Saturday.
"The performances have always been there, they have been building and growing," he said.
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"I felt we should have beaten Fulham. Nottingham Forest had one chance and then defended for their lives and it shows we are in games all the time. it won't happen overnight, I am not a miracle worker, it will take time."
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