Celtic return to Europe on Thursday night, and they have no room to mess about.
During the league phase, Celtic could afford to get thrashed by AS Roma on home soil and still progress to the play-off stages.
But VfB Stuttgart won’t allow that, as Derek Rae makes the German club ‘favourites’ for this fixture.
The Bundesliga commentator is one of the best in the business when it comes to German football, and he feels Martin O’Neill’s side have their work cut out.
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Derek Rae’s lowdown on Celtic’s Europa League opponents, VfB Stuttgart
Celtic have produced a few late shows this past week, but they can’t afford to go down that road against VfB Stuttgart.
Speaking on Premier Sports, Rae highlighted the strengths of Sebastian Hoeneß’s side, including a ‘very talented’ striker in Deniz Undav, and their ‘chief’ at the back, Jeff Chabot.
Either way, Rae seemingly hinted that the champions of Scotland have their work cut out.
“Difficult draw, really difficult,” said Rae. “I don’t think Celtic fans will be surprised to hear anybody say that. But this is a team that can be really dangerous. I watched them quite recently dismantle a very good Leverkusen side. They did it with high pressing. Relentless high pressing.
“The strength of the team is high up the pitch, with Deniz Undav, who is just a very talented individual, but plays within the team’s concept.
“Sebastian Hoeneß, the coach, very much that coach who isn’t afraid to press high. But they don’t do it every week. They have lost matches recently, but mostly against high-level opposition in domestic competition and in Europe as well.
“A Celtic fan asked me, ‘Are there weaknesses?’ Maybe a little bit soft at the back. You can get at them. (Josha) Vagnoman, the right-back, I think, has had his ups and downs. But much smoother in recent times.
“They have a big defender (Jeff) Chabot, who is the defensive chief and leader. Alexander Nübel, the goalkeeper, is a very able player who is on loan from Bayern. I particularly like Angelo Stiller in midfield. Left-footed. Very much a number six. Sits deep and makes the play from there. He can score spectacular goals. They are an exciting team.”
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How Stuttgart fans view Celtic
Celtic have dominated domestically for a long time now, but this campaign isn’t going to plan, and it might result in the team going trophy-less.
But how do those from the outside view the Hoops? According to Rae, there is a lot of respect there, and he is expecting ‘two cracking games’, starting with the first leg at Celtic Park on Thursday night.
“But I spoke to a few Stuttgart fans the other day, and they respect Celtic as well,” added Rae. “I think what you are going to get is two cracking games for atmosphere.
“I know a lot of Scotland fans were in Stuttgart during the Euros. It’s a great place to watch a game. I think underrated, in terms of atmosphere. Two really watchable games, but I would make Stuttgart famous.”
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