"Everybody knows that I am not selfish; if I get angry it is because of the principle - but once I went back to the bench everyone could see that I was encouraging the team and the supporters that could celebrate with us," says Paolo, responding to the negative reports about his behaviour when he was called off by Glenn Roeder early in the second half at the Hawthorns.
"I was very happy because, of course, we needed three points - and it is a big fight."
Despite the inferences in some newspapers, Paolo is insistent that his main focus was on the team winning the game.
"I was okay and I want to say that I accept everything as the skipper, a player, and a professional - if the manager wants to substitute me as he did not for an injury but as a tactical thing then that happens."
But it did mean Paolo, like the West Ham fans attending the game, had many an anxious moment after the break.
"I was happy that we won but it was clear that in the second half there wasn't someone going between the two lines, holding the ball, and giving time for the defence and midfield to recover," he says.
"In the second half we couldn't because of course Les Ferdinand, who played fantastic, is a striker, and Jermain Defoe is the same who wants to score."
Reservations aside - and all who were at the Hawthorns, Glenn included, acknowledges how nervewracking the game was - Paolo says the win was the thing.
"It doesn't matter that in the second half we were in trouble, because all that counts was winning the game - and once again, I say I am very happy about that, because the team comes first."
Like any good professional, Paolo was disappointed to come off, but of course, because of his high profile, more has been made of it in his case than if it had been another, less high profile, player.
"If I am angry at coming off that is not a case against me; it is normal that every player wants to stay on and give everything," he explains.
"You know that at 1-0 up and not being able to play 40 minutes the team can be in trouble, but I am very happy that we won."
Paolo thinks that the Hammers may have turned the corner, and adds:
"We have to be honest and say that for the first time in the season we were very lucky, because once they scored the equaliser they controlled the game and pushed very hard - and could have got the second.
"Even when we did that, they put us under pressure, had a lot of possession, and could have scored three or four goals."
Paolo, like most observers, admits there was an element of good fortune in the win - the very element that has eluded the Hammers for most of the season.
"We were very lucky and happy and we have to thank the team - and especially Trevor who came back with a complete performance and scored twice," says the maestro.
"DJ made three or four miracle saves as well, and it was a team effort, though in the second half we didn't play well.
"It was good to create and score the goal and I hope we can win every game like that, but we can't just count on luck.
"It can help you once or twice but no more than that; what counted at the end, though, was three points - which was exactly what was needed to help us stay up."