Celtic Building Momentum Ahead of Crucial European Clash
Interim assistant manager Shaun Maloney has declared that a growing sense of belief is permeating the Celtic squad as they prepare for a significant Europa League knockout phase play-off against German side VfB Stuttgart next month. The confidence stems from a crucial 4-2 victory over Utrecht on Thursday evening, a result that secured their progression and set up a tantalising continental rematch.
Turning Point in European Campaign
Maloney revealed that the team's European prospects were finely balanced earlier in the campaign, but pivotal performances have shifted the momentum. 'We had a big discussion before Feyenoord,' Maloney explained. 'At that point, our chances were really 50-50, or maybe even less than that.' He identified the away victory against Feyenoord as the major turning point, a result that was then built upon with a hard-fought point in Bologna, despite playing the final 20 minutes with ten men after Reo Hatate's dismissal.
'The belief's slowly growing,' Maloney stated. 'Probably the history of the club demands you have that sort of belief and desire to do something in Europe. You're also aware supporters have booked these trips weeks in advance.'
Historic Rematch with Stuttgart Looms
The upcoming tie against Stuttgart, who currently sit fifth in the Bundesliga, is a replay of a famous 2003 encounter. On that occasion, Martin O'Neill's Celtic side emerged victorious on their road to the UEFA Cup final, with Maloney himself scoring in a 3-1 first-leg win. The first leg of this season's clash is scheduled for February 19th at Celtic Park, with the return in Stuttgart's MHPArena a week later.
'It's a great tie,' Maloney added with enthusiasm. 'It's a brilliant game for our supporters. From where we were post-Midtjylland to actually qualify, the players did a brilliant job.' Stuttgart finished their group stage in 11th place with 15 points, a position ten places and four points above Celtic.
Transfer Window Activity Provides Further Boost
Off the pitch, the club is working to strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes. Manager Martin O'Neill is hopeful of securing up to three new signings. A deal worth around £6.5 million for 23-year-old French winger Fares Ghedjemis from Italian club Frosinone is reportedly at an advanced stage, potentially ahead of a move for Hungarian forward Damir Redzic.
Maloney expressed satisfaction with the two loan arrivals already at the club, Julian Araujo and Tomas Cvancara. 'I think they are types of players or profiles that we haven't had,' he said. 'It's really specific, the ones we want to bring in. We feel we've got a few that do the things we need.'
He emphasised the importance of strategic recruitment, noting that while two or three more signings would be a massive help, they must be the right fit. 'There is no need to bring in numbers,' Maloney insisted, highlighting the club's focused approach in the final days of the window.
