Southampton face Tonda Eckert exit concern as fresh update emerges | OneFootball

Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg has revealed an update on the future of Southampton manager Tonda Eckert...

Tonda Eckert has put Southampton in play-off contention after replacing Will Still at St. Mary's, but the German manager's work is not going unnoticed.

The Saints are a side on the rise again, with promotion to the Premier League a distinct possibility at the first time of asking. Tonda Eckert took over from Will Still after he left Southampton in 21st place.

However, four wins in his five, then moved the recently relegated Premier League side within five points of the top six. They then added a further two wins to that immediately after. His side went winless in seven Championship matches thereafter.

Following a 2-1 loss to Hull City in January, Southampton have since won eight of the last 10 games in all competitions, including securing an FA Cup quarter-final tie against Arsenal after beating Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage.

It's been a remarkable rise for Eckert, who was brought in as the head coach of the U-21s this summer. But after Will Still was dismissed in early November, the German was handed the reins on an interim basis and hasn't looked back after that small blip over the festive period.

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert linked with Bundesliga and Serie A clubs

After four consecutive wins and a late loss in that game against Millwall, Southampton were keen to give him the full-time job. They did just that after the Southern Daily Echo reported of their desire following 12 points out of a possible 15 being secured.

It could have looked like an error following their difficult patch but playing through it has them on the cusp of the play-offs, with the Saints in eighth and with a game in hand on most sides around them after their trip to face Fulham recently.

With Eckert named manager on a permanent basis until the end of the 2026/27 campaign thanks to their recent form, Southampton are now just four points outside of the play-offs where Wrexham currently hold the spot in sixth.

That contract length being as short as it is perhaps leaves them susceptible to other suitors, with Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg revealing the latest regarding the 33-year-old manager.

He states that Eckert is a coach to watch and that he is highly rated internally at Southampton, where he feels very comfortable and is doing top work. But Plettenberg adds that clubs from the Bundesliga and Serie A are closely monitoring him.

As Southampton well know, when a club is relegated from the Premier League to the Championship, finances change instantly. Television revenue drops sharply, which is why making the most of parachute payments matter so much.

These payments usually last only two seasons, occasionally stretching into a reduced third year, so the pressure to secure promotion quickly is intense. They give relegated clubs a clear short-term advantage. Naturally, extra funds make it easier to sign better players.

However, just as importantly, retaining key members of the squad and coaching staff who might otherwise leave is the other important aspect. That does not just apply to Leo Scienza and Shea Charles, but it extends to Eckert as well.

Without promotion, that edge over your second tier rivals disappears quickly. If promotion is not achieved before the payments run out, budgets tighten and squads are often broken up, while managers can seek out better opportunities.

Clubs like Southampton, know how crucial this window is. Miss it, and mid-table mediocrity — or worse — can arrive fast thereafter for years to come in the Championship. It's imperative that they make the top six and make a real fist of promotion in 2026.