Tonda Eckert shared his surprising verdict that Saturday's comeback win over Derby County was Southampton's best performance of the week.
That's a week to remember, in which Southampton knocked the Premier League leaders Arsenal out of the FA Cup and beat play-off rivals Wrexham 5-1 at the Racecourse Ground.
But Eckert has surprised fans by describing the Derby win as the best of the lot!
According to the Southampton boss, the Saints' comeback victory over Derby County at St Mary's on Saturday was impressive for a number of reasons.
The factor Tonda prizes above all others
First, he insisted that the consistency that the team showed in the match was integral to his side getting back on level terms and then going on to win the match.
“[This was the] best performance of the week, I think the boys have been absolutely outstanding today.
“[It was the best due to] the consistency. I think if you're clearly on top in the first half, then we didn't really finish our attacks to put it in the back of the net.“
Eckert has always valued structure and organisation, and he likes his teams to retain both. Against Derby County, Southampton did not change their approach after going a goal behind.
Instead, they kept their structure and discipline. Eventually, a touch of Scienza magic got the home side back on level terms.
Eckert's consistent approach is unwavering
Even that did not change the Southampton approach. Instead of riding the wave, Eckert stuck to his approach and withdrew two key players.
First, Tom Fellows departed for Kury Matsuki. Fellows had been a busy thorn in County's left side all match, but hadn't yet found the end product to match his general wing play. Sixty minutes is about all most attackers and midfielders get these days at Southampton. Eckert is mindful of rotating his squad, and that includes within-game substitutions.
Southampton's young coach is aware of the need to prepare his team ahead of Tuesday night's rearranged match against Blackburn Rovers. Another win could see his team go fourth in the table, but Eckert is not thinking that far ahead.
“The boys will have a day off, and I'll make sure that I prepare well for Blackburn, and then we'll go again to try and win another game
“I think that we haven't achieved anything yet. As always, along the journey, sometimes you get a round of applause.
“There's always a risk that you get carried away if you look at the praise too much. For us, I think humility is always a very good companion along the way.“
Asked if his squad were getting carried away, he responded in typical fashion. “Oh, we are not getting carried away.“