'Everybody has a lot of confidence now,' Arne Engels

Originally posted on The Celtic Star | By Conor Spence | Last updated Jan 13, 2026 3:23 AM ET

Arne Engels has spoken positively about Martin O’Neill’s comeback to the Celtic dugout, saying the veteran manager has already lifted the mood and direction of the squad…

The Belgium midfielder completed the entire match as the Hoops cruised to a dominant 4-0 win over Dundee United, marking an ideal opening result for O’Neill in his latest spell as interim boss.

Reflecting on the change in leadership, Engels highlighted the impact of the 73-year-old’s presence following the brief and disastrous tenure of Wilfried Nancy, who departed after just over a month in charge.

Engels suggested the renewed sense of clarity and confidence within the dressing room has been noticeable since O’Neill’s arrival, as Celtic look to build momentum under familiar guidance.

Speaking via Daily Record, Engels said: “It’s really strange for us. Obviously, there weren’t the results that we were hoping for. But I think now that’s behind us.”

“We’re not proud of that, and we’re still thinking about what we should have done better, but it’s now up to us to just move on and go from here because we showed that we have a really good squad with a lot of talent and that we can win games and not give any opposition any chance.”

“Everybody has a lot of confidence now. I think it’s really good that we just stick to the basics again and that we do what we are good at. Then you see everything follows. I think we never gave them [Dundee United] any chance to come into the game, and we pressed them really well.”

Engels added: “Obviously, you speak about things that are going on in Celtic. But I mean, it is what it is, and we can’t look back now; we just need to look forward.”

“It’s not nice for family and friends to see that we are losing. It’s never a nice feeling, not for us, not for everybody, not for the fans. So, obviously, they’re going to try to speak to me about what is going on. I think we are on a good way now again and hopefully we can now win a lot of games.”

Celtic can leapfrog theRangers and move into second place in the Scottish Premiership with a win away at Falkirk tomorrow night. Leaders Hearts are also in action on Wednesday evening, taking on St Mirren at Tynecastle.

It’s vital that Celtic collect the three points on our first visit to Falkirk since John McGlynn’s side returned to the top division. The match is a sell-out with just 600 Celtic supporters getting tickets to roar on the Bhoys.

Conor Spence

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This article first appeared on The Celtic Star and was syndicated with permission.

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