“If You Lose, Not Everything Has Gone Wrong” — Eckert on Southampton’s Setback & Birmingham Clash | OneFootball

Interim manager Tonda Eckert has been a breath of fresh air on the South Coast. Reigniting Southampton’s hopes for this season is one thing. Now, with reports circulating that he will secure the permanent role, he’ll have to maintain his winning formula and continue to improve as the season progresses.

It’s another risk from the Southampton board. One that, if it fails, could see the pressure grow to unseen amounts. Despite the outside noise, Eckert has his sights set on this weekend’s clash against Birmingham – another test for the 32-year-old, which could see his role confirmed if a result goes his way.

The Loss to Millwall

The German has had time to reflect after his first loss as senior Saints manager. Losing right at the death to Millwall was painful, but one that he and his men will learn from. He said:

Facing the Lions last week was the toughest clash of his tenure so far. Their atmosphere, structured pressing and effectiveness in possession were all on point, and the Saints couldn’t match those levels for the majority of the game.

Eckert praised his players for pushing on for the victory, though, despite that very determination contributing to their last-minute defeat. These situations are normal in the Championship, but the German hopes he can provide more clarity when dealing with them, he added:

He’s made several tactical tweaks. Not on paper, but in possession.

Tom Fellows has remained as a right-wing back, yet operates high and on the byline when the Saints progress, like a winger. Leo Scienza has been given more freedom. With Ryan Manning providing the width on the left, the Brazilian has the licence to occupy the half-spaces in the middle and out wide, where he’s most dangerous. Freedom. That’s what Eckert has been aiming to provide, alongside clarity of what to expect from the opposition.

Team News

After assessing the loss last weekend, Eckert turned his attention to the squad’s fitness for their home clash against Birmingham.

Oriol Romeu made his second Southampton debut against Millwall. While it wasn’t perfect, it’s a good first step into gaining match fitness. The Spaniard also featured for the under-21s in midweek. Eckert was pleased that he got “another 45 minutes in his legs”.

Both Mads Roerslev and Elias Jelert “are going to take a little bit longer”, leaving Tom Fellows as the only option for the right-hand side of defence.

The 32-year-old went on to clarify more injury and fitness issues, but there was a spark of hope for Samuel Edozie: “Shea [Charles] will have his first training session with the team soon. Sam Edozie trained on Wednesday. Ross [Stewart] is going to take longer.”

While it wasn’t mentioned, Leo Scienza has been fine this week. Daily Echo writer Alfie House confirmed that he’s trained for most, if not all, of this week.

On Birmingham

Tonda Eckert understands the pressure of being the Saints manager, and this weekend’s fixture against Birmingham could be the perfect platform to prove himself to the Southampton faithful once again. He realises the task at hand against Birmingham, stating:

Birmingham sit six places above the Saints in the Championship table, but one win for Eckert’s side would shorten that gap to just one point. This month will see these two teams play each other twice, and a win to start December would strengthen either side’s claim for playoff contention.