Arne Engels: Manager’s opinion is the one that matters most | OneFootball

Arne Engels is gearing up for another magnificent Champions League match at Celtic Park under those Paradise lights and the midfielder is aiming to make his mark once again. The Belgian has had some good performances for the Hoops this season so far, and is convinced his development is coming along nicely since his big move from the Bundesliga.

Arne Engels scores. Dens Park, Dundee v Celtic. 14th January 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

A reported £11.5 million was what the Parkhead powerbrokers had to pay to get him to Glasgow to unite with Brendan Rodgers and it’s a fee that certainly raised a few eyebrows.

With any record signing, a price-tag is something that can weigh heavy on a player and leave them open to criticism if fans and pundits don’t feel they are justifying the outlay. It’s happened many times in the past and not just at Celtic; it’s a recurring theme the world over in football.

However, Engels insists that the only opinion that truly matters when all is said and done, is the manager’s. Irishman Rodgers clearly saw something special in Engels to convince the club heirarchy to shell out that multi-million pound record-fee, and will no doubt have a development plan in place for the former Augsburg man. The player admitted it is of no consequence any opinions outside of his boss’ and revealed: “I’m relaxed in every game. I just want to do my best and want to try to help the team.

Arne Engels prepares to take the penalty. Dens Park, Dundee v Celtic. 14th January 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

“I don’t really see a lot of the things that are written or anything. So that’s maybe a good thing that I don’t read a lot into the newspapers. I’m just trying my best and [the manager]is also helping me in that, I think.

“I know what I’m doing, and everybody here inside knows also what I’m doing and what I’m capable of. So, I don’t really feel pressure. I don’t really need to put pressure on myself or something.”

He said, via Glasgow Times: “It just comes by itself and I’m working every day really hard on the points that I need to improve. What they indicate here inside, not what they indicate outside. So, that’s the most important thing, that everything stays inside and that everybody knows what the points are and what I need to work on. I’m feeling really comfortable. Everything is going smoothly and how I want it to be. So, I think I have no complaints. It can only become better.”

Arne Engels celebrates.Ross County v Celtic in Dingwall. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

The 21-year-old insisted that pressure will always be there regardless and as long as you remain calm within yourself and understand the growth required to better yourself, all is well. “I think I’m learning every day, learning every game,” Arne said.

“So, everybody here inside is helping me to adapt and to move on. If you always talk about the pressure and this and that, then it’s a good thing to have that you are calm in your head, and just know what you’re doing and don’t really listen to some people that you don’t need to listen to, and just need to listen to the guys that you really want to listen to.

“I think I’m doing that really good and that also improves myself and my qualities.”