We’re battling with Bhoys for second place, says Rangnick

IN THEIR nine-year existence, RB Leipzig have never attempted to hide their light under a bushel. A policy of buying emerging talents from every corner of the globe, often with astronomical price tags attached, has never won them popularity contests in Germany. But it has seen them become a force to be reckoned with, both domestically and in Europe.

The signing of Oliver Burke from Nottingham Forest for £13million two years ago may have brought the club to prominence in Britain, but the Scotland international’s jaw-dropping move was just one of many.

Controversially funded by the deep pockets of an energy drinks company, Leipzig have spent £225m in four seasons — predominantly on up-and-coming players.

The relevance for Celtic ought to need no explaining. Kieran Tierney, Callum McGregor and Odsonne Edouard could be said to be identikits of the type of player the German club would target.

The theory, according to Leipzig manager Ralf Rangnick, is sound. Mercifully, from Celtic’s perspective, he believes it falls down in practice.

‘Tierney, McGregor and Edouard are great talents in Scottish football,’ said Rangnick. ‘Tierney, in particular, is one of the biggest talents in Europe.

‘Those three are good players but Celtic are well-known across Europe for not letting players go for a bargain. ‘We are not interested in them, though, because we don’t have the kind of money needed to invest in those players.’

No one quite expects the begging bowl to be put out in front of the Red Bull Arena just yet. Leipzig finished second in their first season in the Bundesliga, sixth last year and presently sit fifth, five points behind Borussia Dortmund. Only once they win the title will they consider the job complete.

Even in the absence of Emil Forsberg and Diego Demme tonight, they will start as strong favourites against a Celtic side with a wretched record on the road.

‘I know Brendan Rodgers from Celtic and his spell at Liverpool and we know how he likes his teams to play,’ said Rangnick.

‘They don’t play the typical kick-and-rush Scottish football. They have technically strong players and 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, it won’t be an easy encounter.’

There may only be only three points at stake tonight but it feels like more is on the line.

Salzburg won here on the opening night, then defeated Celtic and are widely expected to edge towards top spot by cleaning up at home to Rosenborg.

If so, this double-header may prove more akin to a two-legged knock-out.

‘It looks like it might be definitive as these two teams will be fighting for second spot,’ said Rangnick.

‘I would expect Salzburg to win both their 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.’

There is a healthy respect for Rodgers, as well as a curious case of split loyalties.

‘I talked with Brendan a few years ago when he was with Liverpool,’ said Rangnick. ‘We exchanged ideas and spoke about our jobs at the time.

‘Since then I’ve been following him. With Marvin Compper going there as well, we keep an eye on what’s happening in Glasgow.’

Hailed as the experienced, cultured central defender Rodgers coveted in January, former Leipzig man Compper has been restricted to a solitary run-out in the Scottish Cup against Morton.

The fact he is not even in the squad which arrived in Germany last night remains a matter of curiosity.

‘Myself and Marvin had high expectations after his transfer to Celtic,’ said Rangnick.

‘He has had to fight injury problems and he couldn’t train for a long time.

‘I’ve known him for a long time and he’s a real leader on the pitch. But he can only show it if he is playing. ‘We chatted a few weeks ago and we wish him all the best. Hopefully he gets the chance to show the qualities he has.’ No easy games: Rangnick expects a tough night