VfB Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeneß has admitted he’s expecting a superb atmosphere when they travel to Celtic this week.
Stimme cover comments from him today ahead of their trip to Celtic Park on Thursday for the first leg of their Europe League play-off. The two sides then meet in Germany on February 26th for the second leg.
The German side head into the game in confident mood following a 3-1 victory against Köln last weekend. That win continued their push for a top four finish this season. They’re currently fourth, three points behind Hoffenheim and two ahead of RB Leipzig.
Celtic Park’s Champions League atmosphere
Celtic had a similarly good weekend, securing a last-minute win over Kilmarnock thanks to Julian Araujo’s 97th minute goal. That came after they had found themselves 2-0 down in the game.
It was their fourth win in five and kept the pressure on Rangers in second, and Hearts three points ahead in first. It also means that they’ll head into their Europa League clash with Stuttgart this week full of confidence.
Celtic Park is often a special place on European nights too. That’s something Hoeneß is more than aware of.
“I was in Bayern Munich’s youth academy, we played in the Youth League, and Celtic was there too. In the evening, you go to a professional match – a fantastic experience,” he said.
“The stadium is enormous, the atmosphere will be incredible, the pitch will be in good condition. It will be difficult, but highly motivating.
Away challenge for Celtic
“(It’s) a highlight for everyone to be able to play there. It will be a Champions League atmosphere,” added striker Ermedin Demirovic.
The plan, according to him, is to secure a good result at Celtic Park before then seeing what Celtic are made of away from home.
“It’s something new for us to prepare for the same opponent twice in one week,” the conclude.
” (We want) to take a good result from Glasgow. Then we’ll know we can really unleash our power at home. Then let’s see someone beat us there.”
