Kevin Kampl’s Honest Admission: RB Leipzig Struggled with “Special” Celtic Fans at Parkhead
RB Leipzig’s midweek Champions League defeat to Celtic has left the Bundesliga side reeling, with veteran midfielder Kevin Kampl acknowledging the significant role Celtic’s passionate supporters played in the Scottish champions’ 2-1 victory.
Celtic Park Atmosphere: A Game-Changer
Kampl, a seasoned professional with 585 first-team appearances, confessed that even he struggled to cope with the electric atmosphere at Celtic Park. The Slovenian international’s candid assessment highlighted the intimidating factor Celtic’s home support brings to the table.
“It took us five minutes to accept the atmosphere… The mood came back, the atmosphere pushed Celtic… If we make it 2-0 in the first half, we can make the stadium even quieter,” Kampl told Leipziger Volkszeitung.
Kampl’s Respects Celtic’s Quality
Kampl praised Celtic’s team, acknowledging their quality and resilience:
“This is very bitter. We didn’t let ourselves be surprised, but we also played against a great team and of course, the stadium is something special.”
RB Leipzig’s Disappointment
The Bundesliga side’s defeat has left them “very bitter,” according to Kampl. The midfielder’s honesty underscores the significance of Celtic’s victory and the challenges RB Leipzig faced.
Celtic’s Home Record: A Fortress
Celtic Park has become a formidable fortress, with numerous high-profile teams struggling to cope with the atmosphere. Barcelona, AC Milan, and Manchester United have all experienced defeats at the hands of the Scottish champions.
Key Factors in Celtic’s Success
- Passionate support: Celtic fans’ energy and noise levels create an intimidating atmosphere.
- Team unity: Brendan Rodgers’ squad demonstrated resilience and determination.
- Tactical acumen: Rodgers’ adjustments and game plan exploited RB Leipzig’s weaknesses.
Up Next: Club Brugge
Celtic hosts Club Brugge on November 27, seeking another three points to bolster their Champions League prospects. If the Parkhead support can replicate the same intensity, Celtic will be well-positioned to secure a vital victory.
Brendan Rodgers’ Praise
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers praised his team’s “outstanding” performance, highlighting the collective effort:
“It was an incredible team performance… We showed great resilience and quality.”
Celtic’s Champions League Campaign
The Hoops have accumulated seven points from four matches, revitalizing their knockout phase hopes.
Fan Reaction
Celtic supporters are ecstatic, recognizing the significance of their role in the team’s success:
“The atmosphere at Celtic Park is unbeatable!” – Celtic fan
“Our fans are the 12th man!” – Toffees supporter
The Power of Celtic’s Support
Celtic’s fans have consistently demonstrated their ability to influence matches, creating an electric atmosphere that opponents struggle to handle.
Tactical Analysis
Celtic’s victory can be attributed to:
- Pressing: Celtic’s high-intensity pressing forced RB Leipzig into errors.
- Counter-attacking: Celtic’s swift transitions caught RB Leipzig off guard.
- Set pieces: Celtic’s dead-ball expertise proved decisive.
Player Performances
- Kyogo Furuhashi: The Japanese striker’s pace and finishing ability troubled RB Leipzig.
- Nicolas Kuhn: The German midfielder’s creativity and vision controlled the tempo.
- Joe Hart: The experienced goalkeeper’s leadership and shot-stopping secured vital points.
Celtic’s European Ambitions
The Hoops are determined to progress in the Champions League, driven by:
- Pride: Representing Scotland and Celtic’s rich European heritage.
- Financial rewards: Securing lucrative knockout phase prizes.
- Squad development: Testing themselves against Europe’s elite.
The next few weeks will be crucial in defining Celtic’s Champions League campaign. With the support of their passionate fans, the Scottish champions will look to continue their impressive form.
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