Steve McNamara was relieved to see Catalans Dragons hold on to beat Warrington Wolves and secure the Challenge Cup for the first time in the French club's history.
The Dragons became the only non-English team to ever lift the famous trophy thanks to a hard-fought 20-14 victory over their Super League rivals at Wembley.
Brayden Wiliame's try early in the second half helped put Catalans 14 points clear of their opponents, but they were forced to weather a late storm after George King's score was converted by Tyrone Roberts.
After admitting his players "nearly blew it" in the closing stages, McNamara praised his underdogs, who also upset the odds by knocking out St Helens in the semi-finals.
"It was incredible for us," he told BBC Sport. "I thought we played well for 55 minutes and then we nearly blew it. Nearly, nearly blew it.
"These people [the club's fans] have made such a huge effort to get across here, I'm pleased for them and pleased for our owners, too.
"It was tough. They deserve it, though. They've been underdogs all year and we've had to work really hard. It's a first trophy for the club and hopefully for everybody back in France as well."
The Dragons only maintained their Super League status by winning the Million Pound Game last year and McNamara confessed their primary objective for 2018 was always to make the top eight at the end of the regular season.
However, the Challenge Cup has provided a welcome bonus and they will now take the famous cup back to Perpignan.
"We were just happy to be in the top eight this year – we just wanted to make sure we were safe," McNamara added.
"The cup came along at the right time and we made the most of it, now we've got a first piece of silverware for the club."
