RB Leipzig boss Ralf Rangnick believes his side and Celtic are playing for second place in their Europa League section.
Austrian outfit Salzburg top Group B after wins against both teams who face each other in matchday three at the Red Bull Arena on Thursday night.
RB Leipzig and Celtic both have three points following their respective wins over Rosenborg, with the German side sitting in second by virtue of a better goal difference.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of their double header – with RB Leipzig visiting Parkhead next month – Rangnick said: “It looks like these two teams will be fighting for second spot.
“Salzburg have won both their games and I would expect them to win both matches against Rosenborg.
“It looks like this and Celtic Park will be decisive to finish second and qualify from the group. These games will be very important.
“We want to win this match and also achieve a positive result at Celtic Park. So, yes, both teams are fighting for second spot in this group.”
Celtic have been poor away from home in the group stages and beyond in European competitions in recent years but Rangnick, who will be without Emil Forsberg, Ibrahima Konate and Diego Demme, is expecting a tough tie.
The former Hoffenheim and Schalke boss said: “I can’t tell you if Celtic have played badly in Europa League or Champions League qualification, so I can’t talk about their away record.
“But I do know Brendan Rodgers from Celtic and his spell at Liverpool and we know how he likes his teams to play.
“They don’t play typically kick and rush of Scottish football. They have technically strong players and they always try to find solutions by playing technical football.
“They like to press and build from the back using their wing-backs. Celtic are a good team.
“We don’t think it will be an easy encounter. We don’t necessarily need a high victory but the most important thing is winning.”
Rangnick revealed he and the Celtic boss have discussed their respective thoughts about football in the past.
He added: “I talked with Brendan a few years ago when he was with Liverpool.
“We exchanged ideas and spoke about our jobs at the time.
“Since then I’ve been following him. He’s in his third year at Celtic and with Marvin Compper going there as well, we keep an eye on what is happening in Glasgow.
“We know what to expect. It will be a fantastic atmosphere at Celtic Park and I am sure it will be the same here.”
