Luís Martins shakes of derby draw with praise for his players

Sporting CP B coach Luís Martins praised his side's attitude in the Lisbon reserve derby this Friday, despite the points being split at the final whistle: "We were well prepared. We didn't let the goals get to us and reacted really well. We didn't play our best quality football, but we can't do that 100% of the time of course. However, we got a point and this was only the first match in which we haven't won all three points at home. I am happy with our consistency and to see the players learning and growing. The lads are more confident now and ready to respond."

The Colombian striker Leonardo Ruiz mirrored his coach's comments: "We felt good and did our best. It was a realyl good match and we showed that we are well prepared for anything."

Luís Martins happy with his side's performance, despite missing out to FC Porto B

Luís Martins took a moment to speak with the press after Sunday's loss to FC Porto B, reflecting on what he sees as a final result influenced by some dubious refereeing.

"It was a well-disputed match between two good teams, with a third team that I didn't think were in their best form. We could have done better, considering the chances we had. We didn't do very well in defence and we don't usually let in so many goals, even when we are down to 10 men. The sending off was the key moment for FC Porto B, but I give them credit for the result and applaud my players for keeping their cool when things started going against us", said Martins.

Also speaking at the final whistle was the Sporting CP B striker Leonardo Ruiz, who actually used to play for FC Porto B: "It was a hard game, the kind that every player loves to be involved in. We aren't happy with the result, but we are happy because we did out best. I was very welcome at FC Porto, but of course we are rivals on the pitch now."

Luís Martins highlights his side's maturity against União da Madeira

The Sporting CP B coach Luís Martins praised his side's maturity at the final whistle this weekend, after masterminding a ninth successive unbeaten outing.

"We set out with a specific idea that we had been working on and we won. It was our hardest match so far I think. Our opponent had done their homework and you could see that. We have our weaknesses, but we were competent out their today and showed a real maturity", said Martins, continuing with a word on the importance of securing points against the Ledman LigaPro big-hitters: "We had already beaten the team in second and now we beat União da Madeira. These matches are really important to help the lads grow. We were disciplines, coherent and deserve a pat on the back."

Rafael Barbosa was also on hand to share his thoughts at the final whistle, commenting on his goal: "It was an important goal because it helped get the points. We drew in the Azores (Santa Clara), which wasn't a fair result, so it was important for us to get a decent win today."

Sporting CP B coach reflects on Sunday's draw in the Azores

"It was a very competitive match. Santa Clara are really strong and coming in after two loses gave them a bit of extra motivation", said the Sporting CP B coach Luís Martins at the final whistle on Sunday, after his side claimed a 1-1 draw in the Azores.

Reflecting on the performance, Martins added: "We let a goal in really early, but Sporting CP B likes to take control and that is what we did. We moved the ball around well, although we didn't create a lot of opportunities in the first-half.  We improved after the break, which curiously was when we were playing against the wind. We created three or four chances before Ivanildo scored [83'] and Leonardo Ruiz could have won it for us at the end."

Luís Martins side continue undefeated in Ledman LigaPro

Luís Martins took the reins of Sporting CP B on the 19th of February and since then his side hasn't lost a single encounter. Ledman LigaPro matchday 35 was the same again, this time with Sporting CP B claiming a 1-1 draw in the Azores against Santa Clara.

The team from Alvalade actually fell behind in the 6th minute, when Dennis Pineda opened the scoring. Curiously Sporting CP B's equaliser came six minutes from the final whistle, courtesy Ivanildo Fernandes.

Luís Martins expecting a tough trip to the Azores but sees the encounter with Santa Clara as an opportunity to mature

Sporting CP B are the mirror image of the Alvalade senior team's brilliant form as of late, but a tricky trip to the Azores to face Santa Clara is next up in Ledman LigaPro. For coach Luís Martins, this is exactly the kind of opportunity that his players look for add vital experience.

"The game will start at 0-0 like every other one does and what happens from there is down to us. It will be a hard match, but these are the ones that we like playing. These occasions help the lads to grow and that is what is most important", said the Sporting CP B coach in a pre-match interview this Saturday, adding: "It is a real honour to be with this group of players and coaches. It is fantastic to see the fans getting behind the club so much an the help that everyone gives helps us through those tougher spells."

Luís Martins praises his players maturity in Sunday's dismantling of Olhanense

"We were lucky to have so many chances really early on. Sporting CP B were the better side. The lads showed respect for their opponent, which just goes to show that they aren't as young as some people say they are", said Luís Martins at the final whistle on Sunday.

Analysing his side's recent run of form, the Sporting CP B coach added: "It is a sixth straight win, but it is only worth three points. We know what our vulnerabilities are and most important right now is to make sure we stay in this division. However, this team has the quality to break into the top 10."

Luís Martins looking to extend unbeaten Ledman LigaPro run

Looking ahead to do Ledman LigaPro matchday 34, which will see Sporting CP B host Olhanense, coach Luís Martins warned his players to alert, despite their recent rich run of form.

"There are no easy matches and this is a really specific context. We are coming out of a tough situation and we want to keep this positive run going. We know it will be difficult and we can relate with Olhanense in relation to the fight against relegation. Of course we want the points, especially playing at home. We want to show that the international break has helped us a bit. We haven't won anything yet, but the lads are focused on getting the three points", said Luís Martins.

Luís Martins keeping his feet on the ground, despite inspiring Sporting CP's recent run of form

Luís Martins sat down the the Sporting Journal this week, reflecting on Sporting CP B's dominating performance against Leixões on Sunday.

"It was a really competitive game against a team that is struggling, like we were a few weeks ago. We didn't completely control everything, but the win came due to our superiority. Leixões reacted well, but once again we showed what we are capable of", said the Sporting CP B coach.

Although having led his side to what is now five straight wins, Luís Martins was careful to ask for calm: "We have shown that we can turn games around, regardless of who we are playing against. That is really important for me and I am really proud to be part of this team to help the lads grow. At the same time we are training up young players, while getting out of a tough situation. I wouldn't say that the team is closer to where we want to be, because it is already built up based on how our football department works. It is important that the lads understand that this is the last stop before going into the senior team and that they aim to turn professional."

Luís Martins pleased with his side's return to form and push up the Ledman LigaPro table