Celtic v VfB Stuttgart – “Of course, we have respect for Celtic,” Sebastian Hoeness
· Yahoo Sports
VfB Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness has said he already knows what it feels like to win a match in Scotland and soak up the atmosphere of a European night at Celtic Park, as he prepares his team for Thursday’s clash with the Hoops…
However, his previous success in Scotland came in far humbler surroundings, at Cappielow in Greenock, where only 308 supporters were present.
The Bundesliga outfit travel to Glasgow for the first leg of their Europa League play-off tie, with Celtic heading into the game confident following a dramatic 3-2 victory over Kilmarnock last weekend.
Visit amunra.qpon for more information.
Although Hoeness – the nephew of German football icon Uli Hoeness – has never coached a senior side in Scotland, he did take charge of Bayern Munich’s Under-19 team when they faced Celtic in the UEFA Youth League in 2017. That encounter was staged at Cappielow.
On that occasion, Hoeness led the young Bayern side to a 2-1 win. Later that evening, he watched from the stands as the club’s senior team recorded the same scoreline in Glasgow’s east end, with goals from Javi Martínez and Kingsley Coman sealing the result after Callum McGregor had drawn Celtic level with around 10 minutes to play.
Hoeness – who became Stuttgart manager in 2023 – said via Glasgow Times: “There was just enough time to drive to Glasgow and make the kick-off after the Youth League game. The atmosphere is incredible, and it was a fantastic experience.”
Ermedin Demirovic of VfB Stuttgart celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Bundesliga match between VfB Stuttgart and 1. FC Köln at MHPArena on February 14, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)
“Jupp Heynckes was the manager, and it was a tough game. It’s difficult, but highly motivating to play there. But we go there with confidence because we are in good form right now.”
Stuttgart centre-back Jeff Chabot has also spoken of his excitement ahead of the trip to Glasgow, saying he is keen to witness the renowned Celtic Park atmosphere for himself.
He said: “I’ve watched videos of Celtic Park and also some of their famous Champions League matches from a few years back.”
Chema Andres of VfB Stuttgart celebrates the team’s third goal with teammate Ermedin Demirovic during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between VfB Stuttgart and BSC Young Boys at Stuttgart Arena on January 29, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
“There were some huge games there. So we are looking forward to the atmosphere and a fantastic match. Of course, we have respect for Celtic, but the anticipation outweighs everything else.
“We can go there with our heads held high because we’ve been performing well for months. We’re in good form right now.”
Conor Spence
Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order
More Stories / Latest News
Celtic v VfB Stuttgart – “Of course, we have respect for Celtic,” Sebastian Hoeness
Celtic’s €1.75 million UEFA incentive from VfB Stuttgart contest
“I didn’t make any money from my football career,” Amido Balde