John Kennedy Gives Ibrox Lowdown to Leipzig

ANDREAS HINKEL is a coach for Leipzig nowadays and his team are getting prepared to take on Celtic’s bitter rivals in the Europa league.

The German has done a lot of media in the past few days because of his ties to Celtic and he’ll also be able to offer his club some insight into what to expect.

One thing the former Hoops player has called upon is his contacts in Scotland. The German admitted in order to paint a picture ahead of the semi-final he spoke to Celtic assistant manager John Kennedy,

Speaking to German outlet Kicker, he said: “Of course we have analysed them & collected a lot of information.

“Among other people we have spoken to on the phone & asked for info from is John Kennedy, the Celtic assistant coach, my former team-mate & someone I still stay fairly closely in touch with. 

“It’s a team geared strongly for physical aspects. 

“That is defensively robust players who stay compact & defend well.

“But their counter attacking game is also quite strong & they have dangerous attackers. Not for nothing are they in the semis. “

Celtic, Ange Postecoglou and John Kennedy have helped mastermind two victories over the Ibrox side this season and he will have let Andreas know the weak links and how best to get at them.

Anybody who sees this as unsporting [most likely Ibrox fans] just have to delve into recent history where their club has allowed Celtic Euro opponents to use their facilities ahead of playing the Hoops.

John would have been happy to help out an old friend regardless of who the opponents were. As the German coach said, they have kept in touch over the years.

Hinkel was a right back for Celtic back in the day, he was a good player but injury was his downfall. Mikael Lustig was the man to take his spot all those years ago.

We wish Andreas and his team all the best in their European adventure.