Eckert happy to let Saints' football do the talking

Tonda Eckert has a 100% winning record since stepping up from his role as Saints Under-21 coach

Interim Southampton boss Tonda Eckert said he wants the team's football to do the talking as he continues to be linked with the permanent manager's job.

The 32-year-old has won all four games since taking over from sacked manager Will Still on 2 November. The Saints sit 13th in the Championship ahead of Saturday's trip to Millwall.

Eckert told BBC Radio Solent: "I often think that's the best thing you can do, not just as a manager, but as a player. I think for the whole team, the games have been speaking for themselves."

The Southampton Under-21 coach has received praise from supporters for the job he has done since stepping up, and he said that means a lot to him.

"For players and coaches, that's why we do the job in the end, to give joy, to create some enthusiasm and positivity for the supporters.

"To be fair, I don't read much, I try to block that off, and also there's not the time to to be on social media reading what everybody thinks.

"Everyone is entitled to their opinions as always, but those feelings at the stadium mean a lot."

Eckert arrived at Southampton in the summer after working as assistant first-team coach at Serie A side Genoa, and he said his bond with the city is already strong.

"I have always felt the responsibility for the city of Southampton, but also before. I had the joy to experience some very nice moments in Genoa, also a city close by the docks, and I think there are some similarities in how the cities live for their football club.

"I remember the promotion, being in the city with the fans, and that is powerful. That's the motivation for us and I hope I can live up to the challenge for all the people of Southampton."

The Saints' next test is a trip to fourth-placed Millwall, and Eckert said he is confident the team can extend their winning run.

"I think we can overcome every challenge in the Championship, and we have to if we want to play for something this year.

"But again, we need to be humble enough to know that there will be moments in the game where we need to suffer and do our work, especially when we don't have the ball.

"If we manage to control those moments, then I think we have a good chance of taking something home"