Lawrie Sanchez was delighted with his Fulham side following the 1-0 victory over Liverpool.
Clint Dempsey’s second-half goal clinched victory for The Cottagers against a Liverpool side without most of their key players.
Fulham now only need a point from their final game of the season to guarantee their survival, while any slip-ups from Charlton will also clinch their safety.
“It was important. I said to the players it was in our hands and that after the weekend it might not be, so it was a massive step,” Sanchez told Sky Sports.
“I said when I took charge it was five points from five games so we’ve got four and that’s still what we’re aiming for.
“I know they had changes, but when you end up with Kewell, Bellamy, Fowler, Alonso and Sissoko on the field, that is a team.
“But we were better than them, we defended solidly, took our chance, and deserved the win.
“This is a fantastic club and it would have been a major shame if we had been relegated.
“Somebody’s got to go but hopefully it is not going to be us.”
Rafa Benitez questioned a collision between Xabi Alonso and Michael Brown when the score was 0-0, claiming there was a ‘clear’ headbutt from the Fulham captain.
Sanchez said: “I didn’t see the incident. I saw Alonso come to the side and get treatment, but I asked Brown at half-time and he says he just ran into him.
“I’ll take my captain’s word for it and so be it. We were the better team.”
Sanchez is set to finish his stint in charge of Fulham after next week’s game at Middlesbrough and is refusing to comment on speculation he may stay in the job long-term.
“I was brought in on a 32-day contract to keep Fulham in the Premiership and we are almost there,” he explained.
“I will have done my job and then what happens after that is down to the chairman.
“Whoever does manage this club next season will have a fantastic club to work with, a fantastic setup, and a chairman that lets you manage.”
