Trusty fires Celtic warning to Stuttgart as defender eyes European redemption
Auston Trusty has warned Stuttgart that Celtic are ready to channel last season’s European heartbreak into fuel for their latest continental mission.
The Hoops have been drawn against the Bundesliga outfit in their bid to reach the Europa League last 16 — just a year on from their agonising UEFA Champions League exit to Bayern Munich. On that night at the Allianz Arena, Celtic were moments away from a famous result before Alphonso Davies struck with virtually the last kick of the game.
Twelve months later, Trusty insists that pain still lingers — but it has strengthened belief rather than broken it.
He stressed that Celtic proved to themselves they could compete at the highest level and admitted the disappointment of leaving Munich without progressing still drives the squad. Now, the focus is on building from that foundation and rediscovering the confidence and momentum that carried them so close.
Relishing the schedule and the challenge
Under Martin O’Neill, Celtic face a relentless run of six games in 17 days across Europe, the league and the Scottish Cup. Trusty, however, welcomes the intensity, insisting that winning is non-negotiable at a club built on silverware.
He described Celtic as an organisation that demands excellence and expects to challenge on every front — a mindset he believes is key as they prepare for Stuttgart.
O’Neill famously led Celtic to the 2003 UEFA Cup Final, beating the likes of Liverpool and Stuttgart along the way, and Trusty acknowledged the manager’s European pedigree. Still, he emphasised that the current squad are focused on writing their own chapter rather than living in the past.
Set-piece weapon and personal ambition
Trusty has played a pivotal role in Celtic’s European run, not only defensively but also as an aerial threat. Goals from corners against Bologna and FC Utrecht underlined his importance at both ends of the pitch.
He credited O’Neill’s renewed focus on set-pieces, explaining that there is a clear emphasis on being dominant in both boxes. With inswinging deliveries now coming from both flanks, Celtic are increasingly dangerous from dead-ball situations — and Trusty knows he can capitalise.
The 27-year-old also believes he is enjoying one of the strongest spells of his career. With the World Cup on the horizon, he remains focused on delivering consistent performances for club and country, insisting his day-to-day priority is to perform at the highest level for Celtic.
For Trusty and the Hoops, the message ahead of Stuttgart is clear: last season’s heartbreak has not been forgotten — and this time, they intend to finish the job.
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