Southampton face Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday night. Tonda Eckert’s side may have to do battle with the Gunners without Finn Azaz.
There are few managers who understand the intricate complexities of the modern footballer better than Southampton’s Head Coach Tonda Eckert.
Southampton’s young German coach has repeatedly described how his team selection has been influenced by more than just simple football tactics.
For instance, he has not hesitated to withdraw Léo Scienza from the firing line when he sensed that the player’s energy levels were waning, or the situation might have become too much for the sensitive Brazilian. At Birmingham, Scienza was introduced only for the final half-hour, and in the following match at home to Millwall on New Year’s Day, he played only the first 45 minutes.
The two factors Eckert takes into consideration
Eckert has demonstrated that he is not only willing to examine a player’s physiology but also their psychology when making tactical decisions.
That would explain why Kuryu Matsuki was thrown into the lion’s den at Fratton Park against Portsmouth in late January. Eckert cited Matsuki’s experience playing in major derbies in Turkey, a country known for its hostile atmospheres.
It’s difficult to deny that Eckert has got these decisions spot on so far. On Saturday, he may need to make another.
One imagines that there are few things that a player can do in football that could hurt them more than missing a vital spot-kick for their country in a World Cup qualifier penalty shoot-out, ending all hope of qualifying for the 2026 Summer tournament.
That is exactly what happened to Finn Azaz during the international break for the Republic of Ireland. Imagine the psychological impact of that on the Saints’ player.
Azaz may need more recovery time than expected
Alongside the emotional impact of the result, Azaz will need to recover physically from playing and travelling.
Tonda Eckert has never considered withdrawing Azaz from the starting lineup. His only concession was to rest him for the third round FA Cup trip to Doncaster Rovers in January.
Southampton could revisit the formation that Eckert employed at Coventry City. That day, Azaz played on the left side of a 4-1-4-1 formation with Cameron Bragg in the holding role.
If Eckert chooses to do likewise, Léo Scienza could operate on the left side with either Matsuki or Tom Fellows on the right.
Fresh injury worries
The Saints could be forced into another change amid reports that Jack Stephens may have picked up a knock during training today (Monday).
Southampton held an open training session on the St Mary’s pitch in front of 4,000 fans who had been given free admission by the club.
The captain failed to complete the session, and fresh doubts have been circulating in the media.
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