Arne Engels has spoken about his ambitions for the season ahead as he completes his first full pre-season with Celtic.
Engels featured regularly last term and showed flashes of the quality that persuaded the club to invest heavily in him. However, after Celtic missed out on a domestic treble following a Scottish Cup Final defeat to Aberdeen at Hampden, the 21-year-old is clear in his determination to help right those wrongs.
Having now had a full summer to settle and train with Brendan Rodgers’ squad, the midfielder believes the foundations are being laid for a much stronger individual and collective campaign. The intensity of pre-season preparations has already left its mark, with Engels welcoming the challenge as he looks to hit the ground running.
Celtic fans will be hoping Engels can step forward in his second year and deliver the impact his potential suggests. With Champions League qualifiers and domestic trophies all on the line, Engels’ development could prove crucial to the club’s success.
He said: (Celtic TV), “I’m really excited to be doing my first pre-season here. I always want to do better and better, and it’s no different this year.
“I’m setting new goals of my own and also as part of the team, so hopefully I can reach them.
“The team have unfinished business from last year, so hopefully we can reach that also.
“It’s going to be a really exciting year for all of us, and we are here to get a really good preparation to be the best of ourselves.
“It’s really been a tough couple of weeks already with double sessions so it’s a good preparation for the season.”
The pre-season camp is giving Rodgers a close look at his full squad, and Engels’ attitude will be noted as he looks to push his game up a gear. His versatility and energy in midfield are seen as key attributes heading into a demanding schedule.
With new signings arriving and competition for places intensifying, Engels knows nothing will be handed to him. That hunger to prove himself appears to be fuelling his approach to the summer schedule.
Celtic’s midfield is packed with talent, but if Engels can match his physical progress with increased consistency on the pitch, he has every chance of becoming a standout in the coming season.
Supporters will be watching closely to see whether Engels can convert his strong words into performances, and potentially help Celtic reassert domestic dominance and make a mark in Europe.
