Arne Engels issues a clear statement of intent from Celtic

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The Celtic Star

·30 December 2025

Arne Engels issues a clear statement of intent from Celtic

Arne Engels has issued a clear statement of intent from Celtic, insisting there will be no margin for error as the champions chase another Premiership title…

Arne Engels of Celtic scores a penalty to make it 4-2 Livingston v Celtic, Scottish Premiership at Livingston, on 27 December 2025. Photo Bruce White Shutterstock

The Belgian midfielder believes the squad has rediscovered its rhythm under Wilfried Nancy, with confidence growing that Celtic are ready to sustain a strong push through the remainder of the campaign.

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A victory away to Motherwell this evening would draw Celtic level on points with leaders Hearts, setting the stage for a high-stakes Glasgow Derby clash at Celtic Park this weekend.

Nancy’s disastrous start in the role have given way to renewed belief following consecutive league victories. With dropped points already proving costly earlier in the season, Engels has stressed that perfection must now be the target across the remaining fixtures.

Arne Engels of Celtic scores from the spot during the Scottish Premiership match between Livingston and Celtic at Set Fare Arena on December 27, 2025. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

Speaking via Daily Record, Engels said: “Every week is really big, we know that. We are always going to play in midweek also and the games are really coming at a fast tempo. So it’s up to us to have a really good feeling in every game – and win every game. Really we can’t lose any more points.

“We know that and I think everybody is really focused on every game with a good feeling, especially after the victory on Saturday and the Aberdeen one. I’m really looking forward to the next games. We are in a good flow and hopefully nobody can stop us.”

Arne Engels of Celtic scores from the spot during the Scottish Premiership match between Livingston and Celtic at Set Fare Arena on December 27, 2025. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

Engels added: “I think we just need to work on the little details that help us in the defensive part, and then we can be able to not concede many. We know that we have conceded way too many goals now and we need to work on that.”

“Obviously it’s new to play with the three or five in defence, whatever you want to call it. It’s new for us and everybody is adapting to it.”

“It’s up to us to work hard for it. But I think we saw some really good things on Saturday and we are improving.”

Arne Engels of Celtic celebrates after he scores his team’s fourth goal from the penalty spot during the Premier ship match between Celtic and Kilmarnock at Celtic Park on November 09, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

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