Leicester lock Calum Green speaks to LTTV in the Tigers changing room at Welford Road following the win over Gloucester Rugby in Round 3 of the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership.
We have to back it up. That's what good teams do, they back good performances up.
Calum Green says the hard-fought, come from behind victory over Gloucester was a testament to the hard work the Tigers squad have been putting in to developing their style for the 2019/20 Premiership campaign.
Speaking to LTTV in the Tigers changing room post-match, the Leicester lock said the players had spoken about restoring "pride" to the shirt after two successive losses in the opening fortnight of the competition.
"We spoke about that the previous two performances haven't been what we are about ... and we spoke all week about putting pride in the shirt," Green said.
"We have worked really hard and that proved today with the performance."
Green was a major factor in the home win, leading the way in an impressive defensive effort which included an almost six-minute period after the 80th minute was up without any possession.
Looking back on the brave showing from the Tigers squad in holding out Gloucester's impressive attacking weapons, Green put it down to the mentality of the squad wanting to deliver for one another.
"Defence for me is all about mentality and how hard you are willing to work," he said.
"It showed today that we are willing to work for each other ... and the boys who came off the bench did a really good job of adding to that."
The second-rower did however say the Tigers team was anywhere near the finished product and more work and improvement was required.
"Obviously, there is still a lot to work on but it is a very good outcome," added Green.
Returning to Tigers after almost a decade over the summer, the homegrown Leicester lock also praised the almost 18,000 strong home crowd's part in lifting the team throughout the match.
"For me, personally, it's the best stadium to play at and when the fans get behind you, it does give you that extra buzz," he told LTTV.
"You do notice it ... it gives you that extra two, three percent."
The match doubled as the debut appearance for Green's now partner-in-crime Tomas Lavanini, who came on during the second-half and provided a glimpse of what Tigers supporters can look forward to with his trademark physicality in attack and defence.
Speaking about his fellow second-rower, who has only been in the East Midlands a week and is learning a new game plan, set piece calls and language in English.
However, Green believes the language of rugby - especially that spoken by second-rowers - is a universal one among those who play the game.
"At the end of the day, rugby is rugby ... especially in the second row, you hit people, you hit rucks and you carry the ball," he said.
"He's a smart, intelligent bloke and is picking things up really well."
Green also said that for all the positives, the job was to now back up the impressive win with another strong showing in the final round of Premiership action before the European campaign begins in two weeks with Tigers travelling to London to face the star-studded Irish team on Sunday (November 10).
"We can't get above ourselves ... we need to enjoy that victory and then look ahead to London Irish, who are a good side," said Green.
"We have to back it up. That's what good teams do, they back good performances up."
Watch the full interview with Green above on LTTV.
