BREAKING NEWS: Celtic star Arne Engels opens up on Old Firm talk

Arne Engels Opens Up on Old Firm Interaction with Rangers Boss Philippe Clement: ‘Did He Want Me on His Bench?’

Celtic’s new star Arne Engels has revealed some light-hearted banter with Rangers manager Philippe Clement during the recent Old Firm clash, sparking questions about whether the Belgian coach would have liked to see Engels in a Rangers shirt instead.

The 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, who recently became Celtic’s record signing with an £11 million move on deadline day, was seen conversing with Clement both before and after Celtic’s commanding 3-0 win over Rangers at Celtic Park. This debut victory for Engels was certainly a memorable one, as he came off the bench and immediately experienced the intensity of the famous derby.

The interaction between Engels and Clement didn’t go unnoticed by the media, particularly the Belgian press. During a press conference ahead of Belgium’s international matches against Israel and France, a reporter asked Engels if Clement had made any comments about wanting him on the Rangers bench instead of lining up for Celtic.

Engels, with a smile, replied playfully, “I don’t know, but I think so… It’s not for me to say.” However, he was clear about his pride in being a Celtic player, adding, “I am now a Celtic player and I am immensely proud of that.”

Engels’ transfer to Celtic marked a significant moment in his career, having previously played for Bundesliga club Augsburg. He acknowledged the step up to a club like Celtic, describing the shift as a move to a “top-table club” where the stakes are high, and the ambition to compete for trophies is constant.

He emphasized the allure of Celtic’s participation in the new format of the Champions League as a major factor in his decision to join the club. “The new format of the Champions League was very nice to make that choice, to show myself at the highest level,” Engels said.

Reflecting on his debut in the Old Firm derby, Engels was effusive in his praise for the Celtic supporters. “The fans are great, from what I have experienced in the match against Rangers, it was incredible. Being there and seeing how much the fans get behind the team was really beautiful to experience.”

It’s clear that Engels has quickly embraced the passion and intensity of Scottish football and is looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead with Celtic, both domestically and in European competition.

In addition to his early success at Celtic, Engels is also preparing for international duty with Belgium. The national team is set to play Israel on Friday in Hungary, which will serve as a neutral venue due to the ongoing protests over the Israel-Hamas conflict. Following that, Belgium faces a tough test against World Cup runners-up France on Monday in Lyon.

For Engels, these upcoming matches offer another platform to showcase his talent on the international stage, and he will no doubt be hoping to carry his impressive start at Celtic into his performances with the national team.

While Rangers boss Philippe Clement might have had his own thoughts about seeing Engels in a different kit, the young midfielder is firmly focused on his future at Celtic, where he has already made a strong first impression. As Celtic push forward in their domestic and European campaigns, Engels looks set to be a key figure in their quest for silverware.