OPINION
It is not unheard of to see players sing the praises of their own fans – but the Celtic supporters appear to have left someone else impressed after their visit to Paradise.
The Hoops played host to German outfit RB Leipzig on Thursday night and Brendan Rodgers and his men gave the supporters plenty to cheer about as they battled their way to a 2-1 win – a result which keeps their Europa League hopes alive.
As always, Parkhead was bouncing on a European night and it seemed to play its part in victory, with Leipzig star Marcel Halstenberg making the stunning revelation that some of his players appeared to be overawed by the atmosphere created by the Hoops faithful.
As quoted by RB Leipzig’s English Twitter account, he said: “We were a step behind too often today and made too many misplaced passes. Perhaps the atmosphere got to one or two of us as well.”
? Marcel #Halstenberg: "We were a step behind too often today and made too many misplaced passes. Perhaps the atmosphere got to one or two of us as well. Now we've got to move on – on Sunday we're back in Bundesliga action against Leverkusen." #CELRBL pic.twitter.com/rNWlG7DOXg
— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) November 8, 2018
Now, were these quotes coming from a lower league Scottish side who had visited Parkhead for a cup clash, then they would be completely understandable – but to hear that come from a man whose team were competing in the Champions League last season and play at the ferocious stadiums of Germany week in, week out is simply astonishing.
The Celtic fans must be ecstatic with themselves to hear an opposition player make such a startling admission, and it goes to show how much of an impact they can have on the club’s success.
Teams often go on about how the supporters are a 12th man, but at Parkhead, they have proved it, and if Celtic do go on to taste any sort of success once again this season, especially in Europe, then the fans will have played their part.