Celtic striker Camilo Duran has praised the club's supporters for their positive reaction after a difficult Champions League exit. The 24-year-old was surprised by the supportive atmosphere at Parkhead following the 5-4 aggregate loss to LASK, a result he feared would bring a harsher backlash. This story was first reported by the Daily Record Football.
Duran, who joined from Qarabag this summer, scored twice in the recent 2-0 home win over Falkirk. He now has five goals this season. His comments come as Celtic sit first in the Premiership with nine points from three wins, leading St Mirren by two points. The team has scored eight goals and conceded just two so far in the league campaign.
How did the fans react after the LASK defeat?
Camilo Duran expected a negative response from supporters after Celtic surrendered a four-goal aggregate lead with an hour remaining against LASK. In Colombia, where he previously played, such a dramatic collapse often leads to fierce criticism. Instead, he found the Celtic fans to be impeccably loyal. "It could have been a much worse reaction from the fans given the way we lost our last match," Duran said. "But they were impeccable and really got behind us. That was so great for us as players."
The match against Falkirk was preceded by fan protests with banners aimed at the board, but the focus quickly returned to the pitch. Duran's brace helped secure the victory, and the overall environment left a strong impression on the new signing. He highlighted the unity between the team and the stands as a key factor in moving forward.
Where does Duran fit into Martin O'Neill's plans?
Manager Martin O'Neill has utilized Duran in several roles since his arrival. Initially deployed on the right flank, the Colombian now primarily operates in central midfield, though he states his favorite position is striker. Duran has emphasized his team-first attitude, stating he is happy to play wherever the manager requires. This flexibility is valuable for a squad currently managing several absences, including Alistair Johnston, Jota, Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, and Kasper Høgh, all listed on the club's injuries page.
With five goals already, Duran is contributing significantly to Celtic's potent attack. His adaptability allows O'Neill to tweak formations and tactics depending on the opponent and available personnel. The player's willingness to work for the team aligns with the demands of a long season competing on multiple fronts.
What is life like for Duran's family in Scotland?
Off the pitch, Duran's family has settled well into life in Scotland. His partner and their two-year-old daughter, Emily, have adapted to the new surroundings. Duran shared that Emily is already picking up Scottish slang and will soon be speaking both English and Scottish. This smooth transition off the field undoubtedly helps the player focus on his performances, contributing to his early impact at the club.
The family's positive experience mirrors Duran's own professional satisfaction. Feeling supported by the fans and integrated into the squad has allowed him to hit the ground running in Glasgow.
What's next for Celtic and Duran?
Celtic's immediate focus is maintaining their strong league start as they prepare for their next fixture, an away match against Dundee United on December 30th. You can view the full schedule on the club's fixtures page. Dundee United currently sit eighth in the table. Leading the standings by two points, every match is important to preserve that advantage.
For Camilo Duran, the challenge is to continue his scoring form and help the team navigate a busy period. His positive early experiences, both with the fans and within the squad, provide a solid foundation. The collective aim is to build on their perfect domestic record and ensure the disappointment in Europe does not affect their Premiership campaign.
