Arne Engels reveals the unexpected shift that transformed his troublesome Celtic season into something entirely different

After initial struggles, Arne Engels has rediscovered his form at Celtic’s midfield. The Belgian midfielder spent most of the early season watching from the bench under Brendan Rodgers, a puzzling situation given his status as the club’s record signing at £11 million. His absence left observers questioning why Celtic had invested so heavily in a player apparently unable to command regular minutes during a period when creative play remained inconsistent.

Everything changed following managerial transitions. Engels now starts consistently under new leadership, appearing in five of six matches under Wilfried Nancy and seven of eight games when Martin O’Neill served as caretaker. His recent performance against Livingston demonstrated the talent that originally attracted Celtic’s investment, combining solid passing alongside set-piece contributions that helped turn the match decisively.

The midfielder expressed his satisfaction with his current situation while refusing to become complacent about his position. Engels emphasized resilience during his difficult early campaign period, noting that he had weathered the challenging spell by maintaining focus on improvement. Looking ahead to crucial fixtures against Motherwell and Rangers, he stressed the importance of continuing his upward trajectory rather than allowing temporary success to breed overconfidence.

Engels demonstrated particular confidence at Livingston by confidently converting a controversial penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way with a composed finish. His penalty confidence remains unshaken despite a recent miss against Roma. He acknowledged the previous failure but expressed unwavering belief in his abilities from the spot, displaying the mental fortitude required for such high-pressure situations.

The midfielder acknowledged that Celtic’s defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern despite their attacking prowess. Engels stressed the need to eliminate early-game lapses that forced comebacks against Livingston. He recognized the tactical adjustments required under the current system while confirming his commitment to earning continued selection in midfield rather than accepting alternative positions on the flank.