Celtic’s clash with Stuttgart is bound to be one of the most-watched Europa League games tonight.
But the context surrounding the game is very different for the two sides.
Martin O’Neill confirmed at his pre-match presser that a meeting with the Green Brigade and the club was taking place, but this doesn’t seem to have proven fruitful.
So how privy are the German media to the unique situation that Celtic are in ahead of the tie?
What is one stadium that comes close to Celtic Park in terms of atmosphere?
Or can none compare?
What the German media are saying about Celtic vs Stuttgart
Kicker: Celtic in crisis
Major German football magazine Kicker have put out a long-read piece on Celtic being ‘lost in Paradise’, focusing on the situation with the fans.
It says “Celtic Park is usually a fortress. But the fans of the Glasgow club are currently protesting – given their poor performance on the pitch.
“Under manager Martin O’Neill, who is in his second stint at the helm this season, they hope to turn things around – including against VfB Stuttgart, who remind the Scots of the year 2003.”
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It points out the Green Brigade’s sorely-felt absence, as well as the dugout turbulence which saw Brendan Rodgers resign amid internal tensions, and Wilfried Nancy sacked after just 33 days.
O’Neill is under no illusions that this is his toughest test yet, given Stuttgart’s form in the Bundesliga and individual quality.
Bild: Andreas Hinkel previews clash
Leading German tabloid Bild have focused on an interest with ex-Celtic and Stuttgart defender Andreas Hinkel, who previewed the tie.
He said: “I have mixed feelings about this game. VfB Stuttgart is my club. I grew up here, played for all the youth teams. But I also have a particularly emotional connection to Celtic. The club is a part of my life; I had a wonderful time there.
“The [Celtic] atmosphere is special. Even though this year has been turbulent, it’s a powerful experience that hits you there. What can develop in that stadium is a huge plus for Celtic.
Callum has named his Celtic XI to face Stuttgart…
How would your starting XI look?
“Nevertheless, VfB Stuttgart are slight favourites for me. They have the higher market value, the better players.
“Celtic have many players on loan, so the team still lacks cohesion. That’s an advantage for VfB. The team has matured, has a good playing philosophy. Everything clicks into place. Celtic still needs to find that rhythm.”
Stemme: Yellow card risk
Local outlet Stemme focuses on the fact that Stuttgart have four players who would miss the second leg if booked in the first.
Maximilian Mittelstädt, Jeff Chabot, Angelo Stiller, and Deniz Undav are all key players for the German side. Their manager, Sebastian Hoeness, is also one yellow away from suspension.
Speaking about the topic, Hoeness admitted that the bookings could be inevitable, saying: “You can limit the number of silly yellow cards you get.
“If you then have to fight a challenge that’s 50/50 and you get a yellow card, then that’s just how it is.
“I expect the lads to go for the tackle, but of course, we shouldn’t get a yellow card for kicking the ball away after the final whistle.”
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