Arne Engels: We know what is expected going into Glasgow derby

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Celtic F.C.

·29 Agustus 2025

Arne Engels: We know what is expected going into Glasgow derby

With the first Glasgow derby of the season on the horizon this Sunday, it has been a busy 24 hours at the club.

The Hoops welcomed new signing, Michel-Ange Balikwisha last night and today discovered their opponents for the 2025/26 campaign.

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However, before any attention switches to Europe, the Champions have a huge game this weekend, with a trip to Ibrox to look forward too.

Brendan Rodgers’ side are looking to maintain their 100 per cent to the Premiership season with a victory over their city rivals.

And having been with the club for almost a year now, Engels insists he and the entire squad know what is at stake on Sunday.

Speaking ahead of the derby clash, the Belgian midfielder said: “Everybody knows what’s on the line. Everybody knows what the derby are and that we need to win.

'It is always like this in those games. That is our main objective. We want to perform well and I’m sure that we will.'

“There is always going to be pressure. That will be nothing different to a normal derby game.

"Everybody knows what the fans, and what we as a team expect from ourselves.

“We want to attack and create a lot and hopefully score goals. That is up to us to put in a good performance and win that game.”

Engels is also delighted to welcome his fellow countryman to Celtic, and will be teaming up with his former Belgian Under-21 team-mate, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, in the green and white Hoops.

The 24-year-old attacker trained with his new team-mates today and is ready to be called upon this Sunday if required.

Engels said: “I am really happy that he is here. He is also a Belgian boy, so I know a bit about him from the times I’ve played with him.

'I think he is a really good player for our team, and he will hopefully help us a lot. I’m really happy that he is here, and hopefully he enjoys it.'

“He is a player without a lot of actions and drive. He really wants to press and play forward, so I think he is someone who really suits our playing style. That is why he will be here.

“I’m hoping that he can do the same things that he delivered when I played with him before, but also with Antwerp.

“He has been playing really well there, with good games and scoring a lot of goals and assists. I hope he can do the same here.”