Arne Engels, a promising talent at Celtic, shares a unique connection with RB Leipzig star Lois Openda, as the two once attended the same boarding school during their formative years at the Club Brugge youth academy. Engels is excited to reunite with his Belgian friend in the high-stakes setting of the Champions League, a platform both players have ascended to after pursuing successful careers abroad. Reflecting on their history, Engels acknowledges the significant journey they’ve each undertaken, particularly admiring Openda’s growth and skill. Despite their friendship, Engels is well aware of the danger his former schoolmate poses on the field, particularly as a formidable striker. He emphasized Leipzig’s depth, stating, “Every player in RB Leipzig is really good, otherwise they wouldn’t play there.”
Engels reminisced about their time at boarding school, admitting that, as a younger student, he didn’t interact closely with Openda then but still remembers watching him play at an advanced level. Now, it’s a delight for Engels to see familiar faces, including other Belgians like Antonio Nusa, when they cross paths in international competitions. He credits his time at Brugge as crucial preparation for his own move abroad, first to Augsburg and now to Celtic. Reflecting on his early career, Engels recalls the camaraderie that made those days so memorable, explaining how spending time with close friends in a boarding environment helped him mature and prepared him for the challenges of living far from home.
Adjusting to life in Germany was a significant step for Engels, especially as he encountered cultural and language barriers. However, the resilience built during his time at Brugge helped him settle quickly and adapt to life abroad. He compares the sense of belonging he had at Brugge to the warm welcome he’s received at Celtic, where he feels a true team spirit and kinship among teammates. Since joining Brendan Rodgers’ side, he’s felt an immediate connection with the Celtic community and relished the opportunity to play in the Champions League—a lifelong dream he’s now fulfilling.
Engels knows the stakes are high as Celtic faces Leipzig, a team with immense quality despite their recent Champions League setbacks. He’s cautious not to underestimate their German opponents, who have shown their strength in the Bundesliga. Engels stressed the importance of staying focused at Celtic Park, where he believes home advantage can give Celtic the edge they need. With both sides eager for victory, Engels sees this matchup as an exciting opportunity, confident that his team can rise to the challenge on the Champions League’s grandest stage.
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