Celtic continue to prove that patience is a virtue.
Whether that’s progression in the Champions League, further domination in the Premiership or Celtic’s recruitment, it’s all coming along nicely, despite the disappointment of Wednesday night.
Celtic were beaten 2-1 by Bayern Munich in the first leg of their playoff Champions League encounter and now it’s a tall order to get something in Munich.
Vincent Kompany’s side have only failed once at the Allianz Arena this season in all competitions and that place can swallow you up.
For certain players, it will be the first time that they are playing in Munich, but for someone like Arne Engels, he played for Augsburg against Bayern last season before his summer transfer to Celtic.
And he is heading back to Germany with a spring in his step.
Arne Engels had his ‘best game’ for Celtic against Bayern Munich
Matt O’Riley’s departure was a blow for Celtic in the summer, but expected because the Premier League money was too hard to turn down.
In came Engels in a record-club deal and there has been a lot of noise around the midfielder, including mixed responses over his performances.
But against Bayern, Stephen McGinn feels the man brought in by Rodgers produced his ‘best game’ in a Celtic shirt, as he told Go Radio.
“I think it was Arne Engels’ best game for Celtic,” said McGinn. “I thought he was excellent in the game. He was really good.
“Arne Engels has had some really good games and he’s had some not-so-good games.
Engels’ stats for Celtic against Bayern Munich in the Champions League
Yes, it would be ideal for Engels to hit the ground running straight away, but that’s not how life works and he needs time.
The 21-year-old is getting that and it was proven by his display against Bayern where he was rated 6.75 for his performance by WhoScored.
This is where the patience bit comes into it, but it might not be until next season that Celtic get to see the rising Belgium star at his very best.
Either way, what he is producing so far is pretty encouraging and proof that there is a player in there who can become a top player in Europe.
