ARNE ENGELS believes Celtic’s recent disappointments will fuel the team’s motivation heading into the new season. The midfielder reflected on the frustration of missing out on a Treble, particularly the Scottish Cup Final loss to Aberdeen, which ended in extra time and penalties. Despite a strong overall campaign, that defeat and an earlier Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich left a lasting sting within the squad. Engels admitted the atmosphere after those matches was heavy, but he sees that emotional reaction as a sign of how much the players care and how determined they are to respond.
Looking ahead, Engels feels the team needs to channel that frustration into their performances on the pitch. The aim is to begin the new season with intensity and focus, starting strong from the first matches. Many bookies not on GamStop feel that Celtics are the clear favourites to win next season Scottish Premier League pricing the Hoops with 4/11 odds, and despite the fans feeling disappointed about their cup final defeat to Aberdeen many will still be placing bets at platforms that offer competitive football odds, fast payouts, and generous bonuses like welcome rewards, free bets, and odds boosts, making them ideal sites to back Celtic as they aim to tighten their grip on Scottish football next season.
He sees this new campaign as a chance for redemption, an opportunity to build on the positives of last season while correcting what fell short. The Belgian is confident that Celtic can rise to the challenge, especially if they match their technical quality with physical sharpness and mental drive.
The break over the summer came at a necessary time for the squad, allowing players to rest and reset. Engels used the time off to recharge after a demanding debut season, one that he says taught him a lot. With the fresh campaign now underway, he’s focused on pushing himself further and contributing even more. He sees room to grow in all aspects of his game. Not just in goals and assists, but in consistency, influence, and overall impact. As one of the younger members of the squad, he’s eager to take the next step and sees self-criticism as part of that growth.
With new signings like the return of Kieran Tierney and Benjamin Nygren joining the group, Engels is also keen to build chemistry quickly and help integrate fresh faces into the squad’s rhythm. Pre-season is viewed as a key period not only to prepare physically but also to develop connections that matter once competitive fixtures begin. For him, it’s about getting everyone on the same page as quickly as possible.
Ultimately, the midfielder sees this as a season of opportunity. Celtic had plenty of high points last year, including their determined showing against Bayern Munich in the Champions League knockout play-off round. Despite a narrow 3–2 aggregate defeat, the performances, especially the hard-fought draw in Munich, earned respect and showed the squad could compete with elite sides. Domestically, they remained strong across the league campaign, but the season’s abrupt and painful conclusion served as a clear reminder that ambition must be matched with execution. Engels believes the team has what it takes to secure silverware and is determined to play a leading role in making that happen. With a focused preseason, renewed commitment across the squad, and lessons taken from last year’s setbacks, he hopes this time Celtic can go all the way.
Image Source: Pixabay
