Nathaniel Eckert, who took over in 2020, has overseen an incredible turnaround of Southampton’s fortunes. He’s led the team to record six wins, including an astounding 22 goals, and completely revolutionized their style of play to be more dynamic and expansive. His tactical adjustments have almost doubled Southampton’s scoring output. In the process, they’ve surged from dead last in 21st to a much-improved 10th in our Championship table. Eckert’s interim tenure was successful in that regard. He made the permanent jump by winning four of his first five games.
Eckert’s leadership has produced great confidence within the squad, giving a host of dynamic attacking talents the chance to thrive. Key players are already displaying keen creativity with their unique performances. Adam Armstrong, in particular, has thrived under Eckert’s guidance. Since Eckert’s arrival, Armstrong has netted six goals and added three assists. He has since become the highest scorer in the Championship, re-establishing himself after spending much of last season as a misfiring striker.
A Change in Tactics
Under Eckert’s direction, Southampton has played a more aggressive, exciting brand of soccer which has worked out in the club’s favor. By giving trust to his attacking players, he has given them the license to be more adventurous when transitioning. This change in approach has opened up many more opportunities to score. Southampton have given up more opportunities than they did under previous manager Will Still.
Eckert’s emphasis on creativity has been key in unlocking the best version of players such as Finn Azaz. Reintroduced into his preferred central attacking midfield role, Azaz has made a noticeable impact after struggling to find form earlier in the season. Prior to Eckert’s appointment, Azaz had just one goal and one assist. Lately though, he’s demonstrated just how vital he is to the team’s attacking plans.
If Southampton’s defensive stability has been adversely affected, the pay-off in attacking production has more than made up for it. “There is no doubting the impact that Tonda Eckert has had on this side since his appointment, and the tweaks he has made have reaped significant rewards,” said Simeon Gholam, highlighting Eckert’s influence on the team’s resurgence.
Building Confidence
And perhaps more than anything else, Eckert’s ability to instill confidence in his players has been key to the Midshipmen’s success. Meeting an out-of-sorts QPR team and welcoming compatriots Sheffield Wednesday both presented Southampton with perfect scenarios of easier opposition to bounce back and restore their self-belief. The manager’s focus on building a positive atmosphere has given players the freedom to make an impact on the field.
As Southampton prepares for their next match against league leaders Coventry City at St Mary’s Stadium, Eckert sees this as a pivotal moment for his team. “If you have big ambitions for the season you have to be disappointed with Saturday. It’s important to clear your head,” he stated. Staying in the now with this big picture mentality, he wants his players to be as prepared as they can be to face the future.
“It’s a perfect game for us. I love playing at St Mary’s. We’ve been pretty good this year in our [last] home games. Eckert reflected the excitement of the team, saying, “We’re just fired-up and we’re going to be all-in. That positive energy inspires them to continue to focus and improve upon all the successes they’ve recently achieved.”
Looking Ahead
The next match against Coventry City will surely be a litmus test for Eckert’s tactics and the squad’s spirit. He admits it’s an uphill battle but believes they stand a better than even chance. “Compliments to what Coventry have achieved so far, but we will be ready on Saturday,” he remarked, signaling his determination to tackle the league leaders head-on.
With a clear focus on improvement and an understanding that time is of the essence in football, Eckert acknowledges there are still areas that require attention: “There are moments in which we need to improve. It takes a little bit of time, I know time is not always available in football and we want to be quick and implement things quickly, but I think we are heading in a good direction in general.”
Leave a Reply