Select the option that expresses the given sentence in direct speech.

The leader applauded the comrades saying that they had done very well.

A

The leader said to the comrades, “Bravo! You have done very well.”

B

The leader said to the comrades, “Cheers! You have been doing very well.”

C

The leader said to the comrades, “Great! You could do very well.”

D

The leader said to the comrades, “Alas! You have done very well.”