### Eckert Declines to Comment on Southampton Role Following Millwall Defeat
After Millwall handed Southampton a narrow defeat, interim manager **Tonda Eckert** avoided discussing his prospects of taking the job on a permanent basis. This loss marked his first since stepping in as caretaker.
When pressed about the speculation surrounding his future, Eckert said:
> "I’m not here to talk about that. My focus is on the players and getting them ready for the next match."
Despite the setback, Southampton displayed measured control through portions of the game but failed to convert their opportunities. Several fans have called for Eckert’s appointment, citing his calm leadership and tactical clarity in recent matches.
Reports suggest the Southampton board will make a decision regarding the managerial position in the coming weeks.
> "We’ve made progress in attitude and cohesion," Eckert added, "and that’s important no matter the result."
#### Team’s Performance and Next Steps
The defeat left Southampton outside the promotion zone, making their upcoming fixtures increasingly crucial. Analysts have noted that while Eckert’s approach has stabilized the team, results must improve soon to sustain playoff ambitions.
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*Author’s summary: After Southampton’s loss to Millwall, Tonda Eckert avoided commenting on his managerial future, saying his priority remains guiding the team forward.*
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BBC on MSN — 2025-11-29