SAINTS manager, Tonda Eckert, believes that tomorrow’s game at Charlton will not make or break his chances of landing the job full-time.
After leading Southampton to two successive victories, the German has been given a further three matches to stake his claim for the permanent role.
His side also face Leicester on Tuesday before going to Millwall a week tomorrow, but Eckert has stressed that the visit to The Valley is more about points than his position
He said: “I wouldn’t call it an audition… we managed to create some enthusiasm and momentum over the last two games”
“My job is to prepare that in the best way possible… there’s definitely no easy games”.
Despite this, the turn of form since Eckert’s arrival has been remarkable, going from a limp side with little to excite over, to a team that looks to be able to drag themselves back up the league table.
Eckert was quick to recognise the quality in his squad as the main catalyst for Saints’ change of fortune:
“I think that we have some very experienced players in the team… they have been great so far, not just for me personally but the group as well”.
Winger Ryan Fraser is fit for tomorrow’s game, meanwhile new signing Oriol Romeu is still not quite match-fit
“Romeu loves Southampton Football Club, the decision for him was a very easy one.
“He is very much looking forward to getting involved in team training… we need to be patient with him because it is going to take a couple more weeks
“I think everyone enjoys his company, he just has gravity and persona… I am sure he will add to the team on and off the pitch”.
As it stands, Saints sit at a measly 17th place in the Championship, after having won just four in 15 games.
Since being relegated from the Premier League, the football club has struggled to stick the landing, and had, until now, found themselves in an environment where nothing seemed to work.
Charlton are currently ninth however only five points separate them from their visitors tomorrow.
Kick-off is at 12:30 at The Valley stadium.
