FA Cup perfect tonic to end winless run - Eckert
Eckert's strong managerial start has stalled in their last six matches
- Published
Southampton manager Tonda Eckert has said Saturday's FA Cup tie at League One strugglers Doncaster Rovers is the ideal opportunity to return to winning ways.
Saints won six of Eckert's first seven matches in charge after he replaced the sacked Will Still, but have failed to win any of the following six games.
That has dampened pre-Christmas optimism about a run at the play-offs but the FA Cup brings an opportunity to inject new energy into the season.
"The cup is nice because you have a direct feedback after the game," Eckert told BBC Radio Solent.
"It's not something you can compensate for in the game after. It's that game, and that game only. Its a beautiful competition.
"We have big ambitions as a football club, and we know the results need to come quickly if we are to play for something this season.
"At the same time, it was clear the season was not going to be a one-way street, that's where the character shows in the end, and those moments where we have some minor dips. We need to make sure we get back to winning ways."
Doncaster Rovers have failed to win any of their previous six matches either, and are second bottom of League One, five points adrift of safety.
Eckert is still determined to give Grant McCann's side full respect.
"Its a good team, and to be fair we've watched many of their games," he added.
"They have performed better than their results show. A team with big energy, especially from midfield, a team that likes to cross a lot, and it's going to be a good challenge for us."
Eckert could give a debut to new goalkeeper Daniel Peretz who arrived on loan from Bayern Munich this week, providing the Israel international receives international clearance in time.
The 25-year-old was previously on loan at Hamburg, but has not played in the Bundesliga this season and was limited to just two appearances in the DFB Pokal.
"He looks ready," he said. "We've seen many of his games, even the games that he played in without having a lot of rhythm, and he looked very good, so we're pleased to have him.
"He obviously comes from a very big club, but had a very strong number one [Manuel Neuer] so not that easy to put him to the bench. Quality keeper, a complete keeper who can do all parts of the game."
