Now that the dust has settled on Tonda Eckert's first defeat as interim manager, the board at Sport Republic must make a decision on what to do next regarding the permanent position.
On the one hand, Eckert has exceeded all expectations. Four wins in five games is outstanding. Embarrassing Nathan Jones in his own backyard has been the highlight so far.
Winning away at Queens Park Rangers and Charlton Athletic were big achievements for a Southampton team who were struggling under Will Still. Eckert's short tenure has seen a sharp upturn in form for many players, but three in particular.
3 players who have excelled under Eckert
Take Finn Azaz as an example. The Saints number 10 had failed to score or assist in nine appearances under Still. Whereas under Eckert, he's already bagged five goals in five games and registered an assist.
The form of Tom Fellows has also improved under the 32-year-old coach. Before Eckert took on the role, Fellows hadn't contributed any goals or assists in eight appearances. Now, under Eckert, he has two assists to his name in five starts.
Another player whose form has picked up is Taylor Harwood-Bellis. Before Eckert started working his magic, Harwood-Bellis' average rating on Fotmob.com was 6.81. In the five games since, his rating has soared to 7.98.
These three examples illustrate how well the young German coach has done in the job. But, Saturday's performance and result ushered in a little caution among the Southampton fanbase. After the Leicester win at St Mary's, there was an almost unanimous cry for Eckert to get the job permanently.
This is why it is time to end the Eckert experiment
Four days later, Southampton fans were not quite as certain. On reddit, the general consensus was to give Eckert a little longer in the interim role. But, some had seen enough at Millwall to call for an experienced manager and end the Eckert experiment.
Sport Republic have been extremely lucky that Eckert has done so well in the interim and have bought themselves time in the decision making process.
But the defeat at Millwall and a poor reading of Joe Aribo's performance highlighted Eckert's inexperience. Statistically speaking, Aribo was the worst player on the pitch. That's about as far away from Eckert's post-match appraisal: “I am very happy with Joe. He has been excellent every time he has come on, and he is in very good shape.“
Apart from the last 10 minutes against Queen's Park Rangers, the second half at Millwall was the first time that Eckert's in-game management had been truly tested. At Loftus Road, Saints got lucky and held on, just. At the Den it was a different story altogether.
What Alex Neil did to beat Southampton was simple
Millwall boss, Alex Neil exploited the spaces behind the hybrid wing-backs and closed off the passing lanes into midfield like the astute and experienced coach that he is. Eckert's response was to do nothing. The shape needed to change and the personnel too.
When Finn Azaz grabbed a late equaliser, Eckert should have resorted to 'Rusk-ball' and sat all eleven behind the ball to secure an ill-deserved point. It was not the time to be brave or stubborn. Like a rabbit in headlights, the German froze.
Now, Sport Republic must change their stance. They must not offer Eckert the permanent job, or at least not yet. First, he must show that he can learn from his mistakes and do what needs to be done to get a win against Birmingham City at St Mary's on Saturday.
Anything less than that should warrant the board revisiting their shortlist and getting the best available coach for the job.