Andreas Hinkel reckons the two-legged showdown between his former clubs will go all the way
Celtic’s Jos Hooiveld shares a joke with team mate Andreas Hinkel
Former Celtic and Stuttgart hero Andreas Hinkel believes the Europa League tie between his former sides could go right to the wire.
The German defender spent three years at Parkhead from 2008 and made over 100 appearances for the Hoops, where Gordon Strachan was in charge, until he left to join Freiburg, only to quit the game a year later following knee problems. He previously played for Stuttgart and later returned, coached their reserve team and even took charge of the club as a caretaker manager and was also previously assistant manager of Belgium until last year.
Hinkel was in the Stuttgart side who lost at Parkhead in the fourth round of the 2003 UEFA Cup when the teams previously met. And he’s warned the Bundesliga side what to expect.
He said: “I expect a close game. I don’t think the first leg will be decisive. So a high score would surprise me. It could be decided late in the second leg. Celtic strengthened their squad with several loan players in the winter and they might still lack cohesion, which could be an advantage for Stuttgart.
“They have had a turbulent season and there have been a few empty seats at Celtic Park, but when the fans are there, they can play a significant role on the pitch. Any Stuttgart player who was there in 2003 can certainly attest to the sheer power of the atmosphere from all the stands.
“It was a special game for the whole team. The atmosphere at Celtic Park was unique and unparalleled. Even experienced players like Zvonimir Soldo and Krassimir Balakov, who have played in many big games, told me they had never experienced anything like it.
“I was still young, but I got caught up in it too – goosebumps were unavoidable. You couldn’t control your body in that atmosphere.”
And although Hinkel refused to say who he wants to win, he admits he is still part of the Celtic family.
He said: “Celtic are a special club. In 1872, the first ever international match between Scotland and England took place in Glasgow so the roots of football lie here, and you can feel that in the city.
“Celtic fans are outstanding. They love to celebrate, but they’re also fair and create a great atmosphere. It’s a unique club. Even though it’s been so long since I played for the club, people still recognise you. You’re still part of the Celtic family, and that will always be the case.”
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