'Big heart' - Southampton signing to bring win-at-all-costs mentality

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Keven Schlotterbeck signs a permanent contract with Southampton FC, pictured at the Staplewood Campus on August 27, 2026 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images) <i>(Image: Southampton FC)</i>
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Keven Schlotterbeck signs a permanent contract with Southampton FC, pictured at the Staplewood Campus on August 27, 2026 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images) (Image: Southampton FC)
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SAINTS signing Keven Schlotterbeck promised "a big heart" as he detailed a win-at-all-costs mindset the defender is bringing to St Mary's.

Saints confirmed the signing of the 29 year old centre-back for a fee of around £3million on Thursday, becoming their sixth addition of the summer.

He is expected to go straight into the squad to take on Championship leaders Millwall this weekend, and the left-footed brute has big pedigree.

Schlotterbeck has played over 150 games in the German Bundesliga, but was persuaded to come to England after conversations this summer.

"There was a lot of speaking, speaking with Johannes [Spors] and Tim [Lederer], and they told me the ambitions that they have," said Schlotterbeck.

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"It's unbelievable. It's different than in Germany. You have a big facility with a lot of regeneration things and eight pitches, I heard, so it's good.

"We're playing football; our job is to win games, to play football, and so you talk a little bit about the football, about the style, how you want to win.

"I know what my game style is, how I play, and I think this experience will help every team, especially this one because you also need leadership.

"You need a guy who wants to win every game. If we go outside and play padel, or we go into our stadium and win a game, or we drive to Birmingham.

"It's only about winning games. If you play good you're more positive and winning games but if you play bad and win games, it's also good.

"This is the only reason why I'm here, because my character style is winning games with a big heart, with hopefully big tackles and a few goals."

The move marks the first time the German Olympian has left his native country, having played his entire football career to date in the Bundesliga.

Schlotterbeck said: "I told the club in Augsburg that when something is there in another country I want to do it because I want to get myself better.

"It's a new culture, it's a new game style, it's a new characteristic style and now I'm here to help the team, to help the trainer team, to help everyone.

"My English is not the best but I try my best, so this is the same on the pitch, you have to try your best. If you don't try your best you can't be the best."

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