Brendan Rodgers believes Celtic fans finally saw the real Arne Engels on Thursday night, and the manager didn’t hold back in his praise, describing the Belgian midfielder’s set-piece quality as “world-class.”
Engels, who arrived last season as the club’s record signing, has struggled to live up to the hype. The 21-year-old has spent much of this campaign on the bench, his confidence questioned as his role faded. But under the lights at Celtic Park, in a must-win Europa League clash against Sturm Graz, he delivered the kind of performance that reminded everyone why Celtic paid big money to bring him in.
Rodgers was glowing in his post-match assessment, telling reporters:
“Arne Engels, I thought, was outstanding in the game. Coming back in gave us that energy and that fight. His set-piece quality really is world-class, the level.”
The Celtic boss said Engels’ resurgence was down to his attitude and hard work on the training ground after being left out of recent squads.
“I just felt that we needed that sort of triangle back again in midfield,” Rodgers added. “His responses were great on the training ground. He’s got his reward for that tonight because I thought he was really powerful and played so, so well.”
Engels’ corner delivery set up Benjamin Nygren’s winning header as Celtic overturned an early deficit to beat Sturm Graz 2–1, securing their first European victory of the season. The Belgian’s energy, pressing and ball-carrying gave Celtic a platform they’ve been missing in recent weeks, something Rodgers clearly took note of. “Now he wants to stay in the team,” the manager said with a smile.
It felt like a glimpse of what Engels can really offer Celtic. Supporters have tried to stay patient since his arrival, and tonight they got to see something from Arne. If he can build on that spark, the questions about his place in the team might start to fade fast.
If Celtic are to build momentum heading into the league clash at Tynecastle on Sunday, having Engels rediscover his rhythm and confidence could prove just as important as the three points themselves.
Not All Good News for Celtic
It wasn’t all good news for Celtic. They lost several players to injury during the Europa League tie. Kelech Iheanacho went off after just two minutes, pulling up.
Alistair Johnston, who was making his return after three months out injured, looks to have suffered a major setback, coming off before half time. CCV also looked to be struggling by the end. Not the best news heading to high flying Hearts on Sunday.
The main weakness in this team is Kasper Schmeichel.
Rodgers decision not to play Vinjami Sinisalo is very questionable.
This bhoy is a much superior goalkeeper than Scheichel and how Rodgers cannot see that is worrying.
However, well done last night, but nothing is solved yet. We move on to the next challenge and further progress. I hope.
As for the Board, I have developed a reciprocity with them, in that I have the same contempt for them now that they have for the fans.