Tonda Eckert keeps focus on promotion after Manchester City setback | OneFootball

Tonda Eckert kept the focus on Southampton's promotion push after a 2-1 FA Cup semi-final defeat by Manchester City, downplaying the plaudits.

The 33-year-old German matched Pep Guardiola for long spells at Wembley, his side narrowly beaten in a tight tactical contest. Guardiola later praised Southampton, crediting the Championship underdogs for restricting City.

Eckert had called Guardiola an inspiration beforehand and his stock continues to rise. Since replacing Will Still, he has 19 wins from 31 matches and looks capable of operating at top-flight level.

New reports have suggested Stuttgart are monitoring him as a possible candidate, with Sebastian Hoenedf reportedly on Real Madrid's summer shortlist and the club chasing Champions League qualification.

Attention now turns to Ipswich Town on Tuesday night, a fixture Eckert views as a measure of maturity and one Southampton must be ready for. Defeat would end their automatic promotion hopes.

"The reality of football is that you get some praise for a performance but (by) tomorrow no-one cares. We wanted to go to the final and we didn't make it," he told BBC Radio Solent.

"It's a big test of maturity for us on Tuesday, because we need to be ready again."

Source: Sainstmarching.com