The pair spoke to Sporting TV after beating Real Valladolid

Following the 2-1 friendly win over Real Valladolid, Sporting CP players João Palhinha and Tiago Tomás expressed their pleasure with the result, the display and the evolution of the team.

"It's an honour to be here. The growth that the team have undergone, and the intensity we provided in the game, should be noted. I think that we had an excellent game," said Palhinha to Sporting TV after the final whistle.

"At this point, the most important thing is to pick up pace, so that when the competition returns we are ready to achieve our objectives."

"We always want to win, be it in preseason or not. That's the spirit of a big club. We are doing a good job. I've represented Sporting CP for many years, and playing here always feels special. I feel very happy about that," he added.

Tomás, who carried over his good form from the preseason camp in the Algarve, was pleased with the attitude shown by the team.

"We have a mentality of wanting to win, and it can't be any other way," he explained. "When we are at a disadvantage, we have to run ten times more to turn things around. Sporting CP are that way, and Sporting CP always have to win."

As for his position on the pitch, the versatile player insisted he is ready for anything.

"At youth level I played in all three positions up top, and it's up to the coach to decide in which I can help the team the most. I don't have any preference; whatever the coach tells me, I do."