Southampton midfielder Kasper Jander has downplayed the controversy surrounding the club’s alleged spying on Middlesbrough’s training, insisting it was “not a big deal” within the squad. The incident occurred ahead of the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final, which ended in a goalless draw at the Riverside Stadium.
The English Football League charged Southampton on Friday. According to BBC Sport, a performance analyst is suspected of recording Middlesbrough’s training session and taking tactical photos on Thursday morning. After the news broke, the atmosphere was affected on Saturday morning, with the Southampton team bus greeted by chants of “cheaters” upon arrival at the stadium.
Jander, who joined Southampton from German side Nürnberg last summer and has made 42 appearances this season, scoring two goals, told BBC Radio Solent: “For me and for the team, it wasn’t a big topic. We didn’t make a fuss about it; we really didn’t care, we just focused on playing football.”
The match reflected Jander’s comments. Southampton endured a tough first half under Middlesbrough’s pressure but improved significantly after tactical adjustments in the second half, even coming close to snatching a winner. “The first half was very difficult,” Jander reflected. “We didn’t want to be that passive and give them so many chances. In the second half, we made some changes and became much stronger.”
The 0-0 draw sets up a decisive second leg at St Mary’s Stadium on Tuesday, with a place in the Championship play-off final at stake. Jander expressed confidence in their home form: “We will go back to St Mary’s with confidence and get the victory there.”