Filippo Giovagnoli feels some of the criticism he shipped last season bordered on ‘nasty’.
But the fired-up Dundalk boss insists it will only fuel his pursuit of the league title this year.
The Italian was a complete unknown when he was plucked from a New York academy to succeed Vinny Perth in August.
But despite having never managed a senior team, he reached the Europa League group stages before clinching the FAI Cup.
Dundalk chiefs rewarded Giovagnoli with a permanent deal and he’s targeting a league title this season with a much-changed team.
The Lilywhites have lost experienced players over the winter but signed newcomers from Albania, Latvia, Norway, the Faroe Islands and Scotland.
Giovagnoli insists Dundalk ‘won’t hide’ in the title race but he was asked if the club will have to show patience with so many new arrivals.
“The club is already patient,” he said. “Having me was being patient, because of all the scepticism and criticism to have me here.
“I know the game and I can handle it. We're not going to hide, we want to be there on the run to win the league.
"Last year, we played super-important games in Europe so it was difficult in the league but this season it will be different - our focus is massively on the league."
Giovagnoli knows exactly what his critics had to say last season and doubts the FAI Cup or Europa League run will silence them.
He continued: “I don't want to say this word, but it was really nasty. Sometimes it was even offensive personally, but it doesn't matter.
“It will never end, but I accept this. When I'm under more pressure I perform better. I hope they keep saying that because it motivates me and I'm not going to relax.
“It's any coach or manager in the world - you’re the best until the next game and when you lose a game, you become stupid.
“That's fine, it's our life and we have to accept this. I love what I do. I could sleep at Oriel Park for how much I love my job. Nothing will hurt me.”
Meanwhile, Giovagnoli reckons South Korean winger Han Eui-Kwon could be the most exciting player in the league if Dundalk land him.
The winger has agreed to join but red-tape over work permits and visas is slowing the process.
Giovagnoli said: “Han is a super talented player and to have Han in this league will be just amazing. He could be the star and make the League of Ireland known in Asia."
