Carlos Carvalhal praised his team’s defensive unity after the Owls kicked off 2016 with a 1-0 win at Fulham.
Ross Wallace scored a 35-yard screamer in the first half to secure all three points for Wednesday to keep the visitors within touching distance of the play-offs.
But just as pertinent was the influence at the back as Carvalhal explained: “When the strikers help with the defending it makes everything easier.
“The defenders have less to worry about and so does the goalkeeper, today Joe Wildsmith didn’t have any problems, and the whole defence showed what they can do, like Vincent Sasso who came into the team late.
“That was the Sasso I know, the one we saw today, not the one before who felt pain.
“I have always said the team is more than eleven players, and we showed why that is again today.
“I also want to thank our massive fans as they were amazing again, they helped the team as they do every game.
“This is the expensive time, it is cold, it is raining but again they were incredible.”
On the winning goal, the head coach said it was not important who got their name on the scoresheet, but was happy to see Wallace make his mark.
Carvalhal added: “Ross’ goal was fantastic.
“I was joking with him during the week about scoring this sort of goal, sometimes you get a feeling that these sort of things can happen.
“I said ‘there used to be a player for Celtic about 25 years ago who scored goals like this!’
“I was joking of course but I am pleased for Ross and pleased for everyone.
“We now focus on playing Fulham again next week in the FA Cup as this is now the most important game.”