When Jurgen Saumel, head coach of SK Sturm Graz stepped onto the pitch at Celtic Park on Wednesday morning, his message was crystal‑clear: his Austrian champions must be ready for a Celtic “backlash” after the Scottish side’s stinging 2‑0 loss to Dundee. The warning was delivered through an interpreter at 9:15 AM UTC on 23 October 2025, just hours before the Europa League showdown scheduled for 7:45 PM UTC the next day.
Why the pressure is on Celtic
For Celtic Football Club, the stakes could not be higher. Manager Brendan Rodgers, 52, currently sits on a solitary point from the first two league‑phase fixtures, leaving the club 28th out of 36 in the Europa League group. The Scottish Premiership campaign hasn’t been any kinder – a 2‑0 defeat at Dens Park on 20 October left them five points adrift of leaders Heart of Midlothian Football Club.
Rodgers, who sparked controversy with a comment likening his players to “Honda Civics,” defended the remark as a wake‑up call, insisting he has “no regrets.” The analogy may have raised eyebrows, but the real work begins Thursday when Celtic host the Graz outfit in front of a capacity crowd of 60,832.
Sturm Graz’s Europa résumé
Sturm Graz entered the competition as the 2024‑2025 Austrian Bundesliga champions, boasting a home base at the modern Raiffeisen Arena in Graz. Their European start was solid: a 2‑1 win over FC Nantes on 25 September followed by a 1‑1 draw with RSC Anderlecht on 3 October, earning them three points and a 15th‑place standing.
Saumel’s tactical blueprint is simple yet ambitious. “We know they have great individuals,” he told the press, “but the important thing tomorrow is how we will show up, have courage, defend deep and be dangerous ourselves.” He highlighted the Graz side’s speed on the break, insisting that “we can always score goals” if the chance arises.
Key match‑up details
- Date & Time: 24 October 2025, 7:45 PM UTC
- Venue: Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland
- Referee: François Letexier (France), assisted by Erwan Finjean and Hicham Zakrani
- VAR: Benjamin Pagès (Nyon, Switzerland)
The match will be the 134th European fixture at Celtic’s historic ground, which has hosted European nights since 1892.
Perspectives from the dugouts
Rodgers, when asked about Saumel’s “brace yourselves” comment, laughed lightly before stating, “We respect what they’ve done, but we’re here to win.” He added that Celtic’s recent defensive frailties – evident in the 2‑0 loss to Dundee and a 2‑1 defeat by Eintracht Frankfurt – need fixing before they can handle Graz’s counter‑attacking speed.
Elsewhere, Brighton & Hove Albion owner Tony Bloom was briefly dragged into the conversation. Rodgers brushed off Bloom’s recent remarks about Hearts, saying, “I’ve got enough to worry about at Celtic to read too much into his claims.” The exact nature of Bloom’s comments remains unclear, but they underscore how intertwined domestic and European narratives have become.
What’s at stake?
A win for Celtic would lift them to three points, narrowing the gap to the group leaders and reviving hopes of progressing to the knockout stage. Conversely, a loss could see the Scottish giants slipping further behind, making their upcoming Premiership clash with Hearts on 27 October (3:00 PM UTC at Tynecastle Park) a potential relegation‑battle‑like showdown.
For Sturm Graz, a positive result in Glasgow would push them to six points, possibly catapulting them into the top half of the table and solidifying their reputation as a rising European force.
Looking ahead
After Thursday’s fixture, both clubs face a packed schedule. Celtic’s next domestic test against Hearts could decide whether they remain in the title race or settle for a mid‑table finish. Meanwhile, Graz will travel to face FC Midtjylland in Denmark on 8 November, a game that could further cement their European credentials.
Fans on both sides are buzzing on social media, with Celtic supporters hoping for a “hard‑working night” and Graz followers posting the hashtag #GrazGrit, confident that their side’s discipline will shine.
Historical context
Celtic’s European pedigree is storied – they lifted the European Cup in 1967 and have reached multiple Europa League semifinals. However, the last decade has seen fluctuating fortunes, with early exits becoming more common. Their current group‑stage woes echo the 2019‑2020 campaign, where a similar poor start forced a managerial overhaul.
Sturm Graz, on the other hand, made their debut in the Europa League’s modern format in 2023‑2024, progressing to the round of 32 before being knocked out by a Spanish heavyweight. Their domestic championship this season marks a turning point, and Saumel hopes the European stage will showcase Graz’s evolution from a regional power to a genuine contender.
Frequently Asked Questions
How could a Celtic loss affect their Scottish Premiership title hopes?
A defeat would leave Celtic five points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian with only two league games remaining before the international break. They would then need to win both remaining matches and hope Hearts slip points, a scenario that becomes increasingly unlikely as the season progresses.
What tactical changes has Brendan Rodgers promised after the Dundee loss?
Rodgers said he will tighten the back line, introduce a higher‑pressing midfield trio, and rely on quick wing‑back overlaps to create width. He also hinted at rotating the striking lineup to inject fresh energy against Sturm Graz.
Why is the referee selection significant for this match?
French official François Letexier is known for allowing the game to flow, which could favor Celtic’s attacking intent. However, his strictness on defensive set‑pieces might benefit Sturm Graz’s counter‑attack strategy.
What does a win mean for Sturm Graz’s European aspirations?
Securing three points in Glasgow would lift Graz to six in the group, putting them within striking distance of a knockout‑stage spot. It would also boost their UEFA coefficient, improving seeding for future draws.
How might Tony Bloom’s comments influence Celtic’s focus?
Bloom’s remarks about Hearts were unrelated to Celtic’s immediate concerns, but Rodgers dismissed them, emphasizing that any external speculation could distract players. The comment highlights the media noise surrounding Scottish clubs this season.