Marco Rose reckons Celtic will be hunting revenge as he seeks a Parkhead hat-trick.
The RB Leipzig manager made a victorious trip to Glasgow’s East End two years ago when leading the Germans to Champions League success over Ange Postecoglou’s hosts. Rose was also the RB Salzburg manager six years ago when they defeated Brendan Rodgers’ men in the Europa League. The coach, who also won the corresponding home games, donned a Celtic scarf after that 2018 win for the Austrians and knows the home camp don’t want to see him celebrating again.
Asked about revenge, Rose said: “Of course! I always like coming here, I like the history of the club, I appreciate fan culture a lot. I remember my first match here with Salzburg very well, the supporters accepted and honoured the result. I actually had some contact with a few, they offered me a scarf.
“This creates a connection and I also like their manager. The fans here mean you need to be ready if you want to win. It will be a great atmosphere and we have to use it because we like to play in these kinds of stadiums. We will have to defend all they give us to defend, but I’m sure we’ll get our chances and, when we do, we have to take these chances.”
Rose knows Celtic have the weapons with former RB Leipzig youth Nicolas Kuhn among Rodgers’ biggest weapons. The Leipzig boss said: “He’s a good player, he scored a very nice goal against Aberdeen, but they have many good players.
“It’s a very strong team with the ball, they are known for a very clear style with a 4-3-3. They don’t have a striker who is really strong with the head, but they have younger players who are really fast, can dribble and get behind the lines.
“They are really strong in the counter press, a really hard working team. With the support of their fans, they will be a big challenge for us and we need a big performance.
“It’s my third time here and also the Japanese players are here, they are top class. They are in good shape, a good team with a good plan, with a clear idea of football and possession, so a Champions League team.
Leipzig need a positive result having begun their campaign with three defeats and Rose added: “What we have until now is not enough and we need to start getting points. Everyone is aware of the situation, the boys are very aware of it, you can feel it in the dressing room.”
Rose didn’t speak with Scots coach Cameron Campbell, who is head of player development at RB Leipzig’s academy, about Celtic, as he said: “I haven’t seen him for two or three weeks, but I think he’s here with our youth league team. I like him. He’s a good guy and a good coach for our young players.”
Austrian ace Christoph Baumgartner can’t wait for the tie and said: “It’s definitely something special here. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football.