‘He was already outperforming us,’ boss admits about Celtic star’s departure

Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen has admitted that Celtic midfielder Arne Engels was not nearly ready for the Belgian club’s first squad when he left, despite being a standout in the youth ranks.

After selling Matt O’Riley to Premier League team Brighton for a club record amount in the summer, Brendan Rodgers spent the money to bring Engels to Celtic Park.

The Glasgow giants paid £11 million to German side Augsburg for the Belgian in the summer, and he has shown to be a valuable addition thus far.

Before joining Augsburg, the Belgium midfielder progressed through Club Brugge’s development system and played for Club NXT, the second string side under Hayen.

Hayen made it obvious that Engels was not yet ready for the first team when he left, and he understands why the young Belgian went.

“Physically, he was already outperforming us. He was a player who was perhaps too good for NXT, but not quite good enough for the first team”, Hayen told a press conference about the 21-year-old midfielder.

“Then you have to show a moment of patience, but that is sometimes difficult.

“I do understand why he left.

“Although we have already proven here that the young guys get a lot of chances.

“It worked out well for him.”

Engels has nine goals for Celtic so far, and today at Celtic Park, the Belgian will seek to make an impression against Club Brugge in the Champions League.