Celtic’s Europa League opponents are under strict instructions to rest in order to be prepared for a busy run of fixtures.
Stuttgart were confirmed as the Hoops’ opponents in the play-off stage of the Europa League knockouts.
Martin O’Neill has fond memories of Stuttgart thanks to the famous win in the run to the 2003 UEFA Cup final.
The Bundesliga side fell to defeat at the weekend and suffered a setback in their quest to qualify for a Champions League spot.
That was their first defeat in five games; however, manager Sebastian Hoeness has given them strict orders.
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Stuttgart players to take mini break before Celtic clash
It has been a heavy fixture list for both sides, with Celtic playing twice before they host the German outfit at Parkhead on 19 February.
As for the opposition, they host Koln, where Jahmai Simpson-Pusey is enjoying a loan spell, at the weekend in their final game.
But, after an intense schedule, Hoeness has told his side to rest for the majority of the week.
He said: “That was one of those games where our recent heavy workload was very noticeable.
“So a break is absolutely necessary. I’ve told the guys to take a few days off and rest.
“It was a disastrous afternoon in Hamburg and we need to reset. We have played a great deal of football recently and we should be fresh for the weekend game with Cologne and then the Europa League game at Celtic.”
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Former Celtic player inspires St Pauli to win vs Stuttgart
Defeat for Stuttgart came at the hands of St Pauli, who have helped themselves out in their quest for survival.
It may be a small connection, but a former Celtic player was there to play a role as Jackson Irvine captained them to three points.
Irvine played the full 90 minutes despite struggling with injury and did well to knock the confidence of Stuttgart, which will hopefully last for a couple more weeks.
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