Kingsley Jones hailed his side's defence as Sale Sharks kicked off their Heineken Cup campaign in style.
After a one-year absence from the competition, the Guinness Premiership outfit produced the performance of the weekend in France.
The win sets up a mouth-watering tie with reigning champions Munster at Edgeley Park next Sunday.
Jones added: "It's a great win and one we didn't expect. Clermont is a difficult place to come to and it's a fantastic achievement to pick up a bonus-point win away from home.
"We got off to a great start and silenced the crowd. We have caught Clermont on a good day but our defence was incredible. That allowed us to keep turning the ball over.
"We've made a big statement on this competition but we must continue to work hard in our next match against Munster."
