Jhon Duran has shared insights into his relationship with Aston Villa manager Unai Emery. The young Colombian striker, aged 20, acknowledges that their relationship hasn’t always been smooth, but he appreciates Emery’s guidance and patience, especially in the early stages of his career. This season, Duran has made a significant impact, scoring eight goals in 14 appearances and consequently securing a new contract. Despite his impressive form, Emery has been cautious with Duran’s playing time, mostly starting him in less crucial games, while Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers have been Emery’s preferred starters in the Premier League. However, Duran is determined to become a key player for Villa.
Jhon Duran said, “There are [moments of] love and hate, sometimes! But no, I feel very grateful to him, very grateful to him and his coaching staff. We’ve had many problems, but they’re normal, I think. [The truth is, I’m very happy to be here with him, to share the space with him, to learn from his teachings. He wants to teach me all the time. He’s protective, sometimes.] Sometimes it happens, and there are sparks! So we’re constantly fighting! But I think it’s normal for a young man of my age, and a person like him who already knows a lot, who has already achieved so many things. [And the truth is, I feel very, very grateful to be in this space, and that he’s a person as great in football as he is.] Yes, sometimes we argue. Because he has his point of view, I have mine, and I’ve never been the one who stays quiet.”