Arne Engels arrived at Celtic in late August as the club’s record signing, with high expectations accompanying his £11 million price tag. The Belgian midfielder initially impressed, but as the schedule ramped up, it became clear he was struggling to maintain the same form.
Despite this, manager Brendan Rodgers has offered firm backing for the 20-year-old as he adapts to the demands of Celtic’s rigorous schedule and high expectations.
Speaking at a recent press conference attended by CeltsAreHere, Rodgers explained Engels’ transition from Augsburg, where he played just once a week, to the intensity of Celtic’s three-games-a-week schedule, all while dealing with the pressures of delivering results in every fixture.
“The player doesn’t set the price,” Rodgers said.
Bernardo Preferred in Zagreb Stalemate
While Rodgers has shown patience with Engels, he has not shied away from rotating his midfield options. Engels was notably left on the bench for Celtic’s crucial Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb, with Bernardo starting instead.
Rodgers defended his decision when speaking to TNT Sports, citing tactical considerations. “I just felt that with Paulo, I think we feel it’s a game where we’re going to have a lot of the ball, and he’s one that’s a little bit more used to our system when we have a lot of the ball. That was the only change we felt we needed.”
Bernardo justified his selection with a solid performance in the 0-0 draw, demonstrating control and composure in the middle of the park. Engels, introduced as a substitute, had limited impact on the match, further fuelling debates among fans and pundits over his readiness for Celtic’s biggest challenges.
Patience Required
While some critics have been quick to question Engels’ ability to live up to his price tag, Rodgers has urged for patience. The Belgian midfielder is still in the early stages of adapting to Celtic’s unique demands, and while the jury remains out, any conclusions at this stage would be premature.
Rodgers’ faith in Engels suggests the player has plenty of time to prove his worth, with the manager clearly focused on long-term development. Fans will be hoping that as the season progresses, Engels grows into the role and justifies the club’s investment.
