TETCHY Southampton boss Tonda Eckert walked out on his post-match press conference after refusing to answer questions about the club being accused of spying on Middlesbrough.
The German coach kept batting away questions from journalists relating to a Saints analyst allegedly being caught filming a Boro training session in the lead-up to the Championship play-off semi-final.
Southampton Tonda Eckart stormed out of his press conference after being quizzed about ‘spygate’ Credit: PA
EFL bigwigs have charged Saints with breaking regulations relating to good faith between clubs.
After a goalless first-leg at The Riverside, Eckert was in no mood to answer the allegations.
And finally the Southampton media officer cut short the terse press conference and the German walked out with one local Boro journalist heard to say: “This is not a good look on your football club!”
Asked what his views were on the allegations, Eckert said: “I think the club has made a statement yesterday evening, and I think that’s all there is to say at the moment.”
And then when asked if the allegations were a surprise to him, he said: “I know that these questions are coming up — but I think we shouldn’t get distracted by the importance of these two big games, and the big games always belong to the players.
“They deserve that and the focus is on them.”
Eckert was then asked if he had to speak to his players about the saga or only to focus on the game.
He said: “Only the last part. Let’s focus on the game. There was nothing to say to them.
“We have a big job at hand and it’s just very important that we use all of our energy to focus on what we need to do on the pitch, and again, I think the players have done that in an outstanding way.”
Eckert was quizzed about his handshake with Boro boss Kim Hellberg — but would only say: “From my side, it’s always the same. I shook hands and wish their manager a good game.”
The Saints boss was pressed whether the alleged spy was acting alone rather than on club instructions.
But he said: “The club made a statement and that’s all there is to say at the moment.”
Eckert continued to bat questions away — refusing to answer when he became aware of the incident and if he was concerned that this could cost them promotion.
Eventually press officer Jordan Sibley had a terse exchange with journalists telling them that the club have already made a statement and Eckert had tried to answer questions.
And after asking “Are there any more questions on the game?” but being barraged with more questions on the spying, he and Eckert stood up and walked out.
More to follow.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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