Former Celtic man Andreas Hinkel believes they can beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League, hailing the Hoops and the ‘incredible force’ of their supporters.
Frankfurter Rundschau cover an interview with Hinkel today ahead of Celtic’s second-leg clash with Bayern in the Champions League.
The 42-year-old played for Celtic between 2008 and 2011, winning the Scottish Premiership in his first season as well as the Scottish league cup and FA Cup in 2009 and 2011.
He made 98 appearances in total, managing one goal and 18 assists, appearing in both the Champions League and Europa League for the Scottish giants.
A cruciate ligament tear put an end to his time at Celtic Park, but he looks back on it fondly and, in particular, Celtic’s worldwide fanbase.
“This is difficult to explain in words, you must have experienced and felt that yourself. Glasgow is a city in which football means an incredible amount,” he said.
“The Old Firm between Celtic and the Rangers is one of the most important derby in the world. It is incredible how the city pulsates days before this game.
“But Celtic is also extremely popular outside of Scotland. I can still remember how we played in the USA or Australia. The stadiums were full of Celtic fans. The club simply has an incredible force.”
Brendan Rodgers’ current side will be hoping that incredible force can help them as they look to topple Bayern Munich in the Champions League this evening.
The Hoops trail in that game 2-1 from the first leg after troubling Vincent Kompany’s side greatly in the reverse fixture.
Most believe they will need a miracle if they’re to overcome the Bundesliga leaders away from home and progress, but Hinkel believes there’s a chance if they play to their strengths.
“The past has proven that Celtic can always be good for a surprise. Of course, this is related to the very special atmosphere,” he added.
“The Celtic Park can develop an enormous force on good days and let the team grow beyond themselves. But I didn’t find it that bad in this Champions League season.
“They really didn’t have a good day at the 1: 7 in Dortmund and then lost 2: 4 at Aston Villa. In Zagreb and Bergamo, however, they scored, which is not quite as easy.
“From a Celtic perspective, it takes the absolutely perfect day to get ahead. You would have to be very defensive, use your counterattack and also have the necessary gambling.”
