Sport Nation 2Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has explained why Arne Engels, a prominent summer signing, did not start in the team’s recent 3-0 victory over Motherwell. The win helped Celtic return to the top of the Scottish Premiership, with Rodgers making four changes to the lineup, including the additions of Luke McCowan, Kyogo Furuhashi, Paulo Bernardo, and James Forrest. Engels, a Belgian midfielder signed for £11 million, remained on the bench until the final 15 minutes, sparking curiosity among fans.
Addressing the decision post-match, Rodgers clarified that the squad rotation was intentional and aimed at preserving players’ energy for the demanding season. “I’ve told the players they all have a role to play,” Rodgers stated. “It’s never just about the starting eleven. Given the intensity of our play and the number of matches we have, every player knows they have a big contribution to make.”
Rodgers highlighted that Engels, despite his talent and recent performances, needed rest following a taxing game against Atalanta in midweek Champions League action. “We were able to rest Arne, who’s come in as a young player and played so many games. The distance he covered against Atalanta was huge,” Rodgers explained.
As Celtic looks ahead, they aim to extend their unbeaten domestic streak when they face Dundee at Parkhead. With a busy schedule ahead, Rodgers’s focus on balanced squad management remains key to maintaining fitness and performance across all competitions.
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Amina Umar
Sport Nation 2