Thomas Muller admits he can’t wait to tick Celtic Park off his bucket list after a mouthwatering Champions League match-up.
The Hoops face Bayern Munich in a glamour knockout playoff tie as both clubs battle it out for a place in the last 16. Celts have never beaten Bayern in any of their four previous European meetings and will have to break that duck if they are to face the winners of Bayer Leverkusen vs Atletico Madrid in the next round.
The German giants – who finished third in the Bundesliga last year but now lead by six points – last clashed with Celtic in the 2017/18 group stages. Muller opened the scoring in a 3-0 rout at the Allianz Arena, but missed the return encounter in Glasgow, where Bayern edged out 2-1 winners. But the legendary forward, 35, will get a second chance to experience the world-famous atmosphere when the six-time European champions rock up to Parkhead next month.
He’s not the only high-profile figure from the Bayern camp who is relishing the prospect of facing Brendan Rodgers’ side…
Thomas Muller
“I’ve never played for Celtic, and I wasn’t there for the group stage game. The atmosphere in the stadium must be incredible. We’re looking forward to it. It’s a fast-paced affair with back-to-back weeks in February. So let’s rock it!”
Serge Gnabry
“They will be two difficult games, but we are looking forward to them. It’s a new opponent for me. As a player, you always look forward to a new experience. Jo (Kimmich, ed.) told me that it was one of the best atmospheres he’d ever experienced. That’s why I’m really looking forward to it. The Celtic team is good. We were hoping to get into the top eight. We’re in the playoffs now, we have to accept that and we’re looking forward to the games.”
Christoph Freund (Sports Director)
“Celtic plays good football and has played a strong role in the league for years, they are in very good shape. Added to that is an emotional atmosphere at Celtic Park – we are looking forward to two big games.”
Max Eberl (Sports Director)
“Anyone who knows football knows that Celtic Park in Glasgow is an exceptional stadium in Europe. We are really looking forward to the game there and the two encounters with a strong opponent. They will be two football festivals for the fans. Celtic Glasgow stands for passion and fighting spirit, it will be a big challenge. Our aim is clearly to reach the round of 16, and to do so we will have to give it our all in both games.”