Celtic manager O'Neill keen to keep Johnston and Engels for
According to Sports.
Context
Arne Engels and Alistair Johnston are key players in the Celtic line-up, both starting the season with solid displays. His retention is seen as essential to the club's success in the Champions League qualifiers, where they will face LASK. Pressure from Premier League clubs could complicate the situation, but O'Neill is determined to keep his team competitive.
Why this matters
Keeping Arne Engels and Alistair Johnston is crucial for Celtic, especially with the Champions League play-offs looming. The presence of these players could have a significant impact on the team's performance, given their key role in the recent victory over Dundee. O'Neill's ability to retain his best talent will be decisive for the club's aspirations in European competition.
Main conclusions
- Celtic manager O'Neill keen to keep Johnston and Engels for.
- Celtic manager Martin O'Neill expresses his hope of retaining players Arne Engels and Alistair Johnston for the Champions League play-offs at a time when both attract interest from English clubs.
- Celtic boss O'Neill eager to keep Johnston & Engels for play-off - Yahoo Sports.
Martin O'Neill, the Celtic manager, is optimistic about keeping Arne Engels and Alistair Johnston for the crucial Champions League play-off against Austrian champions LASK. Interest from West Ham, who are trying to sign 22-year-old Belgian midfielder Engels, and Everton, who have 27-year-old Canadian defender Johnston in their sights, makes the situation delicate for Celtic.
The first leg of the tie is scheduled for Celtic Park Stadium on August 18 or 19, with the second leg taking place the following week. Both players started the opening match of the season, where Benjamin Nygren scored a header to secure a 1-0 victory over Dundee. O'Neill stated that his team "did enough to win" and, when asked about keeping Engels and Johnston for the European qualifiers, expressed: "Ideally it would be brilliant, it would be really good. We don't know if the other clubs will want to pursue it."
The Celtic manager continued, "I'm quite sure that anyone starting in their private leagues would want to get their players in as early as possible. But ideally that would be great. It's one of the things we will definitely be considering. I can't say for sure, you need to take into consideration the thoughts of the players and perhaps the other clubs, but overall, for me, selfishly, it would be great. Alistair and Arne told me they would have liked to play in the game if things hadn't progressed. And I thought they did a good job." Alistair has a very strong mentality anyway.
However, O'Neill has natural concerns about transfer speculation and how it may affect players' psychological performance. "But I thought they were fine. I can't give updates on any progress since the other day because I don't know anything.
O'Neill reaffirmed his intention to further strengthen his team, following the signings of forwards Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh. "Well, I'm hoping we can bring in a few more players. That's our goal. We have two and they're decent players for us, but we're trying hard to get more.
With pressure from English clubs on their key players, O'Neill hopes that Celtic's stability is maintained to face the challenges that lie ahead in the Champions League.
What happens next
With the first Champions League play-off game set for August 18 or 19, Celtic need to act quickly to ensure Engels and Johnston remain. O'Neill and his coaching staff are considering the best options to retain players while dealing with interest from clubs such as West Ham and Everton. The decision on the future of these athletes could influence not only Celtic's performance in the Champions League, but also their strategy for the season.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score of the game between Celtic and Dundee?
Celtic beat Dundee 1-0.
When is Celtic's next Champions League game?
Celtic's next Champions League game is scheduled for Celtic Park Stadium on August 18 or 19.
Who are the players Celtic are trying to keep for the play-offs?
Celtic are trying to keep Arne Engels and Alistair Johnston for the play-offs.
What is the situation with Arne Engels and Alistair Johnston in relation to other clubs?
West Ham are interested in Arne Engels and Everton are trying to sign Alistair Johnston.
What was coach Martin O'Neill's statement about the players?
Martin O'Neill expressed that it would be ideal to keep Engels and Johnston, as both would like to play if the transfers don't go through.