In a recent conversation, Herbert Hainer, the president of Bayern Munich, acknowledged the commendable performance of Celtic in the Champions League. The Scottish club, despite their defeat in the knock-out playoff round, has left a lasting impression on Hainer, who oversees one of the biggest football powerhouses in Europe.
Known for their intense competition, Celtic’s performance in the Champions League was a shining testament to the team’s growth and improvement. Their ability to hold their own against a juggernaut like Bayern Munich was widely appreciated by fans, players, and management alike, marking a significant milestone for a team that once struggled on the Champions League stage.
This sentiment was echoed by Jeffrey Schlupp, who quoted Bayern Munich’s manager, Vincent Kompany’s, post-match comments on Celtic’s performance. The conversation around Celtic’s admirable play continued even after the round ended, with Hainer emphasizing the need for Bayern Munich to reevaluate and adjust their on-field strategies based on the matches against Celtic.
Hainer’s comments were published in the Illertisser Zeitung [print edition page 12], where he said: “Glasgow Celtic is not a bad team, and we have about 50 competitive games in a season, there will always be a small dent.” His statement, though not effusive in its praise, highlights the respect he holds for the team and the impact of their performance on his club’s future strategy.
It’s a significant shift from a few years ago, when Celtic was struggling to make it to the main round of the Champions League. The idea of Celtic instilling fear in Bayern Munich once seemed far-fetched, but the progress is now there for all to see.
Hainer, who took over the reins of Bayern Munich in 2019, has always led a strong team. The club has consistently been one of the major teams in Europe, and this status is not expected to change anytime soon.
Meanwhile, Celtic, after a period of stagnation, has once again emerged as a formidable competitor among Scottish teams. The club is making strides towards competing with major teams across Europe and has garnered praise from some of the best in the industry.
The author, Jeremy Trottier, began his writing career with WBLZ Media and has since written for multiple publications, including 247Sports, USA Today, Fansided, and SBNation. Trottier, a passionate sports enthusiast with a degree in sports management, aims to pursue a full-time role within the industry someday. His coverage of Boston College sports, along with his anticipated coverage of their men’s soccer team, attests to his commitment to sports journalism.