Tonda Eckert (foto: Posnetek zaslona)
Southampton coach Tonda Eckert apologized to fans after the Spygate scandal but insisted he did not know the spying rules in England and claimed it brought no sporting advantage.
Tonda Eckert has publicly apologized after the scandal that rocked Southampton, but the controversial coach remains in his job despite the fallout.
The German coach addressed supporters after the club was thrown out of the Championship play-off final following admissions that staff spied on opponents during the season.
The scandal already cost Southampton a place in the richest match in English football and brought a four-point deduction for next season.
Eckert now hopes fans will forgive him.
"I am responsible for everything that has happened in this football club."
"I apologize to the supporters, to everyone who travelled with us and supported us. I apologize to the players. They deserved to play the final."
The coach also apologized to rival clubs involved in the investigation.
Southampton admitted spying on:
• Middlesbrough before the playoff semi-final
• Oxford United before a league match
• Ipswich Town during the season
Eckert admitted authorizing the operations but defended himself by saying he did not realize the practice was prohibited in England.
He pointed toward experiences abroad.
"When I worked in Italy, starting lineups and training sessions were often observed. There are different rules in England and the EFL."
He also referenced comments previously made by Pep Guardiola regarding open training environments in other countries.
Despite the punishments, Eckert insists none of the footage influenced results.
"None of what happened had any effect on the sporting performance."
One of the strangest details remains Southampton's response after an intern was reportedly caught filming training sessions.
Reports claim the club attempted to remove images of intern Will Salt from official channels after he was identified recording sessions.
Meanwhile, Eckert remains under pressure because several junior staff reportedly claimed they felt pressured into participating.
The coach avoided directly addressing those accusations.
Surprisingly, club owner Dragan Solak strongly backed his manager.
"He deserves a second chance, and I would give it to him."
Solak even claimed Southampton had become victims of a media storm.
"We lost our chance to win £200 million. If they double that with a ban, we might appeal."
Eckert's future now depends largely on possible action from the Football Association.
If he avoids a coaching ban, Southampton's controversial boss looks set to remain in charge despite one of the biggest scandals English football has seen in years.