Tonda Eckert has answered questions ahead of his team's trip to Craven Cottage on Sunday in the FA Cup fifth round.
Asked if the cup-tie is an unwanted distraction at this stage of the season, Eckert replied candidly.
“Yeah, it is a little bit different. I would lie if I say it isn't. I don't feel that we are in a moment where we need a distraction from the league.“
Two teams could climb above Southampton in the table
Eckert's frustration might stem from the sheer momentum his team has built up in the Championship. Not playing this weekend could allow Watford and Derby County the chance to climb above the Saints in the table. Meanwhile, Hull or Millwall (who play each other) could increase the points gap to fourth place significantly with a win.
Although reaching the fifth-round of the FA Cup is a significant achievement, fans will be happy to hear that Eckert is prioritising the league and an outside chance of promotion.
In Southampton's 50th anniversary year of winning the FA Cup, a fairytale story would be fitting. That's a dream not lost on Eckert, and he has vowed to 'go strong' after a full week of preparation.
“But it's a big game coming up for us. We will make sure that we go strong, that we are very well prepared to go on to the next round.“
What 'go strong' actually means in practice is open to interpretation. Eckert's decision to make ten changes to the starting lineup in the previous round against Leicester caught everyone off guard. The impressive performances of a string of academy players were as much of a highlight as the victory in extra time.
Four bigger fixtures to come in the league
The question remains about exactly how 'strong' Eckert will go. Although the squad has had a week to rest and recover, the prospect of a trip to West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday, followed by an even bigger challenge away at Coventry City, could have a huge bearing on the team that plays Fulham on Sunday.
“The good thing is now we had a week which already feels like a break, even though it's only a week.
“There has not been too many weeks where you have seven days to actually prepare for something coming up. We're in a very good condition.“
The Southampton squad may well be in 'very good condition', but five matches in fourteen days is a big ask for any squad, even one as big as Southampton's. After the trip to Coventry, Southampton hosts Norwich City and Oxford United at St Mary's.
Nevertheless, Southampton fans will be relieved to hear that Eckert is viewing the cup match on Sunday as a distraction. The real priority, everyone will no doubt agree, is getting into the play-offs. Expect a pragmatic selection this weekend; one that reflects that priority.