Southampton Boss Defends Ireland Star After Ideal Response To Criticism - European Football

Republic of Ireland international Finn Azaz rediscovered his form in front of goal on Tuesday evening, producing a wonderful strike as Southampton secured a 5-0 victory over QPR.

Azaz would score the opening goal of the contest after just nine minutes, with his well-placed strike from outside the area finding the bottom corner.

Dream start for Southampton!

A beautiful hit from Finn Azaz pic.twitter.com/fg4dVDKgfr

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 24, 2026

The attacking midfielder would also pick up an assist later in the game, taking his tally to two goals and two assists in the last six league games.

However, some Southampton fans had grown frustrated with his play in recent times.

Southampton Boss Defends Ireland Star After Fan Criticism

Finn Azaz started the season in fine form for Southampton after joining back in August, although his goal contributions did dry up towards the end of the year. The Ireland player went eight league games without a goal or assist before breaking his duck at the end of January, with some Saints fans criticising his performances even after ending that run.

That included ahead of last night’s game, with calls being made to drop the player on social media. He responded with a top class performance as his team reduced the gap to the play-off positions to just four points.

Speaking to the Southern Daily Echo after the game, Southampton manager Tonda Eckert praised Azaz for his resilience during the recent difficult period.

First of all, I was very happy that he went to the fans after the game, not just for him, but he does so much, and he loves this football club.

He’s not the one who puts himself in the front row. He’s very humble, also in the way he comes to the training ground and behaves.

He’s in the middle of a process to take more and more responsibility. He’s 25 years old now, an Irish international who will play some big games in March.

He backs himself to take responsibility in the team, and he can do that in possession. If I’m a number nine, I would love to have him behind me…

He’s a top character, and a top player to have in the team, and I think there’s lots more to come. I never doubt his quality. He’s been outstanding.

Southampton will fancy their chances of reaching the play-off positions over the coming weeks. Having experienced a difficult start to the campaign, they sit just four points off sixth and have been the most in-form team in the Championship over the last six games.

Finn Azaz will no doubt play a big part in their ambitions over the remainder of the campaign, with the small issue of Ireland’s World Cup play-off against Czechia also to contend with next month.