All of Eckert’s comments on West Ham’s defeat, Harwood-Bellis, and the latest transfer news.

Eckert frustrated by Southampton defeatSouthampton head coach Tonda Eckert admitted his side were left disappointed after suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat to West Ham United in the second round of the Carabao Cup.

Saints head coach Tonda Eckert spoke to the media after his side’s Carabao Cup elimination (Image: Richard Crease)

Despite the emphatic final scoreline, Eckert felt there were several encouraging aspects to Southampton’s performance, particularly during the opening half.

Reflecting on the match, the Saints boss explained that his team started positively and created enough opportunities to put themselves in a strong position.

Southampton even came close to taking a two-goal advantage, while goalkeeper Daniel Peretz had already been forced into an important save.

However, Eckert believes the contest changed significantly after Southampton conceded the opening goal.

He felt that his players were unable to respond effectively once West Ham found the breakthrough, ultimately allowing the visitors to take control of the game.

Saints must become more resilient

Eckert was asked why Southampton’s performance dropped so dramatically after what had been an encouraging first half.

The German admitted that his team simply failed to find the necessary answer.

He acknowledged that there is still considerable work to be done and stressed that Southampton must become more robust and resilient as a collective.

The timing of the defeat also comes during a particularly complicated period because the summer transfer window is approaching its conclusion.

Eckert recognised that the final week of the window can create uncertainty for players and coaches alike.

Nevertheless, he insisted that Southampton need to maintain their focus and improve their ability to deal with difficult moments during matches.

The manager knows that the team cannot allow one setback to completely change their performance.

High pressing remains part of Southampton’s identity

Eckert was also questioned about Southampton’s aggressive approach without the ball and whether the high press represented a risk-and-reward strategy.

The Saints boss accepted that there is always an element of risk when deciding how high to press.

He explained that the issue can be particularly relevant during home fixtures because Southampton must judge what each match requires.

Sometimes the circumstances of a game may demand a different approach, but Eckert believes their style of football can also provide the team with energy.

He therefore remains comfortable with the philosophy, even though he accepts that adjustments are sometimes necessary.

The manager again highlighted Southampton’s strong moments during the first half but admitted that the second period contained too many areas requiring improvement.

He wants an immediate reaction when Southampton face Millwall on Saturday.

Akachukwu earns praise

One of the positives from the defeat was Romeo Akachukwu being given valuable minutes at senior level.

Eckert was pleased with the midfielder’s contribution and particularly praised him for adapting to a deeper role.

Akachukwu has experience playing in that position, although Eckert acknowledged that it may not necessarily be the youngster’s preferred role.

However, given the current composition of Southampton’s squad, the position needed to be filled.

The manager felt Akachukwu handled the responsibility well and demonstrated that he can provide an option in that area.

Eckert’s comments suggest that the young player’s performance could influence decisions surrounding his future as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.

Stephens not singled out

The Southampton manager was also asked about Jack Stephens and whether the defender had experienced a difficult beginning to the season.

Eckert refused to place responsibility on one individual player.

Instead, he emphasised that Southampton have collective problems that need to be addressed.

The German believes the entire group has areas where improvement is necessary and insisted that the focus should remain on working together rather than blaming specific individuals.

His response indicates that he does not believe Stephens should be made a scapegoat for the heavy defeat.

Harwood-Bellis future remains uncertain

One of the biggest questions surrounding Southampton is the future of Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who has been heavily linked with a move away from St Mary’s.

Eckert confirmed that discussions regarding the defender’s situation are continuing.

When asked whether supporters could expect an announcement soon, the Southampton boss suggested that something could potentially happen during the following days.

Harwood-Bellis has remained around the squad and continues to train, but Eckert acknowledged that being involved in transfer negotiations while simultaneously considering the prospect of playing Champions League football elsewhere can be difficult for a player to process.

The manager reiterated that the defender remains present and involved in training.

However, his future has not yet been decided.

Saints expect transfer movement

Eckert was also asked whether Southampton were getting closer to completing incoming or outgoing transfers.

Again, the manager confirmed that discussions were ongoing.

He admitted that Southampton know they need to make changes to the squad before the transfer window closes.

Importantly, Eckert expressed confidence that the club will complete some business during the remaining days.

That suggests Southampton supporters could see both arrivals and departures before the deadline.

The manager appears aware that the current squad requires further adjustment, particularly if the club are to become more competitive throughout the Championship season.

Roerslev’s position questioned

The situation surrounding Peter Roerslev was another topic during Eckert’s post-match media duties.

The Southampton boss explained that James Bree has been his preferred option at right-back and has played almost every match over the previous season.

Eckert stressed that he has significant trust in Bree and described the situation as a normal selection decision.

He also pointed out that returning from a lengthy injury absence can make it difficult for a player to immediately rediscover match rhythm.

Roerslev has been recovering after spending almost a year out injured, and Eckert believes the best approach is to consider how he can gradually regain his rhythm.

For now, however, the manager made it clear that Bree remains his first-choice option.

When asked directly whether Roerslev would remain at Southampton, Eckert again avoided making a definitive commitment, saying that the next few days would provide greater clarity.

Brereton Diaz also involved in talks

Another player whose future remains uncertain is Ben Brereton Diaz.

Eckert confirmed that discussions and negotiations are taking place involving the forward.

The manager also suggested that Southampton could have news regarding the situation soon.

His comments further emphasised just how busy the final days of the transfer window could become for the Saints.

With several players potentially moving and new signings being discussed, the Southampton squad could look significantly different once the deadline passes.

Akachukwu’s future depends on movement

Eckert was also asked whether he had learned anything from the players who featured against West Ham.

The manager responded that he hopes to learn something from every match and believes the same applies to the cup defeat.

Attention then returned to Akachukwu and whether Southampton had made a decision regarding what happens next for the youngster.

Eckert said the midfielder had made a positive impression with his performance.

However, he also pointed to the current squad situation.

Supporters can look at which players are being selected and which are not, giving some indication of where individuals currently stand.

Eckert acknowledged that there will be further movement before the transfer window closes.

Once other transfers begin to happen, Southampton will also need to make a decision regarding Akachukwu’s next step.

For now, the youngster has given the manager something positive to consider after an otherwise disappointing night.

Busy days ahead at Southampton

Eckert’s comments after the West Ham defeat painted a picture of a Southampton squad undergoing significant change.

The manager accepts that improvements are needed on the pitch, while transfer negotiations could also reshape his squad before the deadline.

Harwood-Bellis, Roerslev and Brereton Diaz all have uncertain futures, while the club are simultaneously looking at potential incomings.

Eckert’s priority, however, is ensuring that his players respond quickly to the heavy cup defeat.

With Millwall next, Southampton have an immediate opportunity to demonstrate the resilience and improvement their manager has demanded.

The coming days could therefore prove decisive both on the pitch and in the transfer market.