vfb stuttgart head coach Blown Away by Celtic fc Star striker Despite 4:1 win “I’ve Never Seen Anyone So Strong and confident”

VfB Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeneß left the media room in disbelief after his side’s emphatic 4 to 1 victory over Celtic, delivering comments that few expected following such a dominant win.

Stuttgart were clinical, efficient, and ruthless in front of goal, securing a comfortable scoreline that underlined their superiority on the night. Yet instead of focusing solely on his own players’ finishing or tactical discipline, Hoeneß surprised reporters by passionately praising an opposing figure.

Despite the four goal triumph, he insisted one particular performance from the Celtic side had caught his full attention.

Hoeneß stunned reporters by singling out Celtic forward Saidy Janko Tounekti, describing him as “the most underrated player” he has ever faced 

“We might have won 4 to 1 but his performance is not unnoticed,” Hoeneß said firmly. “I am sorry, I mean no disrespect to Celtic. But I do not know why this player did not play for a higher club, maybe like us. I really do not know how because he has everything. I have never seen someone as strong as him. He was like a wall.”

The room fell briefly silent before a few nervous laughs broke out. Hoeneß, however, was not joking. The Stuttgart manager doubled down on his admiration, describing the Celtic forward as one of the toughest opponents he has encountered from the touchline.

“He is the most underrated player I have ever faced,” Hoeneß continued with a smile. “When you see him live, when you see how he protects the ball, how confident he is, how strong he is in duels, you understand his quality immediately.”

Although Celtic struggled collectively and were punished defensively, Tounekti’s individual display stood out. Throughout the match he provided a physical focal point, repeatedly holding off defenders and creating space for teammates. Even when Stuttgart pressed aggressively and committed multiple players to contain him, he showed composure and strength beyond his years.

On several occasions, Tounekti received the ball with his back to goal under heavy pressure. Instead of being dispossessed, he absorbed contact, shielded possession, and either drew fouls or laid the ball off intelligently. His upper body strength proved particularly impressive, allowing him to resist challenges and maintain balance.

Hoeneß appeared fascinated by the duel unfolding on the pitch.

“We changed defenders against him,” the Stuttgart coach explained. “We tried to press him quickly. Still he kept the ball. He was impossible to move. That kind of physical presence combined with confidence is rare.”

While Stuttgart’s attacking efficiency ultimately decided the outcome, Tounekti’s resilience ensured Celtic remained competitive in individual battles. Even as the scoreline widened, his intensity did not fade. He continued pressing from the front, chasing lost causes, and demanding the ball in advanced positions.

Observers noted that his body language never reflected defeat. Instead, he appeared determined to fight until the final whistle. That mentality, according to Hoeneß, is what separates good players from exceptional ones.

“Strength is not only physical,” Hoeneß added. “It is mental. He believed in himself even when they were behind. I respect that a lot.”

The praise from a Bundesliga manager of Hoeneß’s stature has inevitably sparked discussion about Tounekti’s broader reputation. While Celtic endured criticism for their defensive lapses, the striker’s performance has emerged as a rare positive talking point.

Supporters reacted quickly online, sharing clips of his hold up play and applauding the recognition from an opposing coach. Many fans described him as a “fighter” and agreed with Hoeneß’s assessment that his qualities often go unnoticed beyond Scotland.

Inside Celtic’s camp, the comments were reportedly welcomed as a boost of confidence after a difficult night. Teammates acknowledged his tireless work rate and physical commitment, particularly in a match where the team faced sustained pressure.

Hoeneß made sure to clarify that his admiration was not intended as disrespect toward Celtic as a club.

“Celtic has a big tradition and great players,” he said. “But sometimes certain individuals deserve more attention. Tonight I saw that.”

Football is often defined by goals and scorelines, yet occasionally a performance in defeat can leave a deeper impression than the result itself. While Stuttgart celebrated a convincing 4 to 1 victory, it was Tounekti’s strength, resilience, and confidence that dominated the post match narrative.

If Hoeneß’s glowing endorsement is anything to go by, the Celtic striker may not remain underrated for long. In a night controlled by Stuttgart on the scoreboard, it was a lone forward in green and white who earned the most unexpected and emphatic praise.