Eckert insists Saints players will get enough minutes after latest friendly win

SAINTS boss Tonda Eckert has insisted that his players will get "more than enough minutes" during their pre-season schedule before the 2026/27 campaign starts.

Eckert's side ran out 1-0 winners over German second division side Eintracht Braunschweig on Friday evening in a game that showcased both quality and scrappy moments.

It was Saints' second win in as many games after last weekend's 3-1 friendly win over Eastleigh .

Saints will now spend the next eight days in Germany in a training camp, including another two friendlies, one behind closed doors and another at Preußen Münster next Saturday (August 1).

Saints face Colchester United in the Carabao Cup first round on August 8 before opening their league campaign at Watford on August 16.

More: Downs hits winner as Saints secure friendly victory over Eintracht Braunschweig

"I think it's just such a long season ahead of us and obviously there's a couple of decisions to take of how you want to go into the summer," Eckert reflected to the Daily Echo post-match.

"I think that we'll get more than enough minutes under the belt to be ready for the cup and then ready for Watford."

Lewis Dobbin 🅰️ Damion Downs ⚽️

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) July 24, 2026

22 players got 45 minutes in their tanks as Saints named two separate sides for each half in Braunschweig.

The first half produced the only goal and the better football.

A lovely pass from Flynn Downes found Lewis Dobbin who played Downs through on goal. The American rolled the ball past the outrushing goalkeeper before gliding past the final defender and guiding the ball into the back of the net.

"I think every game has its importance and we wanted to pick up where we left last season," Eckert declared.

"We have had two games now, won both of them, so very happy."

(Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)

On Eintracht Braunschweig, Eckert added: "Obviously you have a rough idea of what you come up against but then you know how it is in those pre-season games.

"It's just different to when you start preparing games in the Championship and the cup.

"So a couple of situations where they have quality on the ball is good for us because we just needed to run a little bit more than maybe we would have wanted in some moments.

"But it's good to see that the boys put in a shift and come away with a clean sheet."