Tom Harrison described the Premiership Rugby Cup defeat to Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park as disappointing but admitted he and his fellow coaches were immensely proud of the young Leicester Tigers after a "gutsy" display against a more-experienced outfit.
Speaking after the 36-28 defeat, in which the Tigers scored four tries to come away with a bonus-point, the lead coach for the fixture said: "The way they reacted tonight to Newcastle's start, at their home ground, was pleasing.
"The players showed fight, they showed character to come back into the game and that toughness on show was outstanding.
"But, ultimately, we are disappointed. We are always disappointed when we lose.
"But, maybe, we are more disappointed because of that fightback and the fact that we saw some good signs tonight of what we want to be; a team that doesn't go away."
Harrison, who was asked to step up to lead the coaching team less than twelve hours from kick-off after Brett Deacon's wife went into labour, admitted that there was plenty of pride in the away changing room.
Discussing the young group, which included seven debutants and an average of only seven appearances per player in the matchday squad, he said: "We had seven guys make their debut for Leicester Tigers tonight, which is an incredibly proud moment for all of them and the club.
"I think it's the youngest matchday squad we have put out all season and they just fought so well. They were tough, they were gutsy, it was good to see that on show from a young group like this.
"We as a coaching team couldn't be prouder of them tonight."
The coach, in his debut match in charge of a Premiership Rugby Cup match, was equally pleased with the "maturity" of the young side, as well as their effort, which included eleven players aged 21 or under - and three members of the current academy programme.
"It was the first exposure to men's rugby, at this level, for a lot of these guys tonight," said Harrison.
"We had half a dozen guys making their first start, seven on debut and included in that is three young men who took the day off school because they had this opportunity to represent Leicester Tigers.
"The way they stepped in and then stepped up tonight, it was great to see that ability for them to show the maturity to adjust and contribute."
The club returns to Gallagher Premiership action next Sunday (March 27) away to Exeter Chiefs, before hosting London Irish at Mattioli Woods Welford Road just two days later in the final pool game of this season's Cup.
When asked about whether a similar side would feature in the mid-week match, Harrison said it was not yet the focus for the group.
"We will look at selection for that game at a later date," he said.
"The only focus now for the group is Exeter Chiefs away, our next game."
