Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness names Maeda, Nygren and three ‘really good’ Celtic players

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VfB Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness has talked up Daizen Maeda, Benjamin Nygren and three other Celtic stars ahead of the Europa League play-off tie at Celtic Park.

Hoeness will be hoping to leave Celtic Park with a positive result but knows he needs to shackle Maeda and Nygren to do just that.

Speaking ahead of the Europa League clash, Hoeness told The Herald, “In general, you can say it’s a really experienced team. Almost every player is around 26 or 27 years old.

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“They have two new players – Adamu and Cvancara – who are known from the Bundesliga, and the other played in the Premier League.

“There’s another one that’s a little bit longer here (Engels), he’s injured and a very talented player.”

• READ MORE: Andy Walker’s verdict on Kasper Schmeichel starting for Celtic vs VfB Stuttgart

Hoeness expects ‘a really big challenge’ at Celtic Park from Maeda and Nygren

Stuttgart are doing well in the Bundesliga, but Hoeness is aware that against Celtic, the Scottish champions will provide his team with a tough challenge.

Hoeness continued, “Maeda is known and is capable of scoring very good goals. Nygren showed this year that he’s capable of scoring a lot of goals. It’s a really good team.

“I think they have 13 or 14 really good players and that’s why I think it’s a really big challenge.”

Maeda will really need to up his game if Celtic are to get a result against Stuttgart tonight. Hopefully, this is the night the Japanese forward really shines and turns his poor form around.

Stuttgart boss in awe of the ‘power and energy’ of the Celtic fans

Celtic Park on a European night can be one of the most intimidating stadiums on the continent.

And even though the Green Brigade remain locked out of Paradise, Hoeness still expects a tough crowd in the east end of Glasgow.

“We expect a lot of power and energy in this stadium,” continued Hoeness, “On the other hand, we face a really good team that is confident now after the recent weeks.

“They played well and won a lot of games, a really experienced coach on the sidelines. It will be a tough match, one of the most difficult matches you could face in this play-off stage. We know we have to show our best face tomorrow and the week after. That’s what we want to do.”