West Ham manager Sam Allardyce believes Tottenham Hotspur boss Andre Villas-Boas "showed a little bit of immaturity" in dealing with his press criticism but added "in all honesty, he's probably right."
Villas-Boas hit back at the Daily Mail's Neil Ashton on Saturday for what he perceived to be unfair coverage following Spurs' 6-0 thrashing at Manchester City.
But Allardyce said managers have to take criticism "on the chin".
Speaking to Talksport, the Irons boss added: "You have to use the criticism as a motivational drive to show these people that they are wrong.
"You, and your players, have got to do your talking on the field. I think he's just showed a little bit of immaturity.
"It can get under your skin, but you can't let that happen because you're not going to win."
He continued: "However disappointed you may feel about what people say in media terms, it's still much better keeping your powder dry.
"I admire him for having a go, but I don't think it will do you any favours in the end unfortunately.
"But I'd admire him for sticking up for himself and having a go for what he believes in. In all honesty, he's probably right."
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