Eckert urges Saints to play with 'more conviction'

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert has urged his side to play with "more conviction" as they prepare to host Sheffield United in the Championship on Wednesday night.

Saints are on a poor run of form, having gone seven matches without a win in the league since a 3-2 victory over West Bromwich Albion on 9 December.

Saturday's defeat at home by Hull City left Eckert's side 15th in the table and 10 points adrift of the Championship play-off places.

"It was a tough one on the day and there's only one way to shake it off - to go again and that's what we're going to do," he told BBC Radio Solent.

"I think we need more conviction from very deep inside.

"If you look at the data of the game, and also other games, I think it's very clear [what is going wrong] but there is something fundamental to the game which comes from deep inside and that's what we need to put onto the pitch.

"We are all in the same boat together but it's not about pointing fingers. We have had some very honest conversations, importantly, and I think that's where we move forward as a group.

"Accountability is something that always starts with me for myself, first, and not me for somebody else."