Aleksandr Hleb has warned Stuttgart’s stars not to allow Celtic Park’s atmosphere to get to them as it did his side all the way back in 2003.
Hleb was the superstar within the German outfit back when they arrived in Glasgow to square off against the Hoops in UEFA Cup action.
The Belarusian, 44, recalls what was a magnificent evening in the history of the Scottish giants as they swept aside their Euro foes 3-1 on their way to the final in Seville just a few short months later.
For Hleb and his teammates, though, it was an evening to forget on the pitch. Even if the cauldron of noise from the home support was unforgettable.
The former Barcelona and Arsenal midfielder remembers being spooked by the raucous punters at the time. And he has listed his trip to Celtic among the greatest atmospheres he ever experienced throughout his career as a player at the very top of the game.
“I remember Celtic were playing fast and athletic football at the time,” Hleb exclusively told CeltsAreHere.
“We quickly switched from defence to attack and we performed well according to the standards.
“We knew it would be a good evening perfectly well but when we went out onto the pitch and saw the incredible atmosphere, we felt this crazy energy from the Celtic fans.
“I had the feeling that my legs were stretched out! It was an incredible atmosphere.
“It is definitely in the top five (in terms of atmosphere) in my career.
“Playing in Glasgow with the crazy atmosphere and incredible fan support will make it very difficult for Stuttgart.”
Celtic’s foes currently sit fourth in the Bundesliga having scalped heavy hitters in the division such as Bayer Leverkusen (4-1 away), Werden Bremen (3-0 away) and Wolfsburg (3-0 away).
Celtic FC Martin O'Neill
14th January 2026; Falkirk Stadium, Falkirk, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Falkirk versus Celtic; Celtic interim manager Martin ONeill speaks during the post match press conference
They have had a strong campaign thus far and have coupled their domestic results with some decent ones in the Europa League, too.
For that reason, Hleb puts his old club in pole position to make it through the two-legged knockout playoff.
“Stuttgart are in remarkable form this season and they have played some good, productive football,” he added.
“I like the way they play in the Bundesliga. I have watched them a few times and enjoyed their style.
“In my opinion, Stuttgart is the favourite for this tie.”
One interesting element of Celtic’s clash on Thursday evening is that interim manager Martin O’Neill will be the gaffer in charge in the dugout again.
The same Irishman who saw off Die Roten 23 years ago.
And Champions League winner Hleb believes O’Neill’s experience can certainly boost the hosts’ chances of progression.
The retired attacking midfielder did, however, stop short of predicting Celtic’s future in the competition beyond the playoff even if they should do the business over 180 or so minutes.
“Can having such experience like O’Neill in charge make the difference? Of course,” Hleb added.
“Such an experienced manager can positively influence conifidence, results and the game in general.
“In football, every nuance is important. The support of your fans is very necessary to achieve such results. Especially in Glasgow.”
Speaking on Celtic’s reputation as a Champions League club as well as this season’s Euro chances, he concluded: “For me, getting into the Champions League depends only on Celtic itself.
“So it is difficult to make any sort of forecast (on how they will fare in Europa League between now and the end of their campaign).
“There are so many strong teams still in the competition.”
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