Kouassi and Lecce, love at first sight

I'm a player who loves to defend. I know what Coach Di Francesco demands of us full-backs, and I'll be completely at his disposal in every way. I've already spoken with Danilo (Veiga, the teammate with whom he'll compete for the right-back spot—editor's note). We'll both have to give our best for the good of Lecce. I have a very aggressive style of play, but in a league like Serie A, I'll have to be even more so. Attention to every detail will be crucial, and for this reason, I'll work hard to learn Italian soon.

This is how Christ-Owen Kouassi introduces himself to Lecce fans. Regarding the fact that he's been deployed as a central defender in recent seasons, he cuts to the chase: "I started out as a right-back, and that's where I'll have to try to thrive for the Giallorossi. At Laval, the coach asked me to play in the center of the defense, and I did so because I'm there for the team, but I'm still a full-back, and I'm happy to be back in my role. Up until now, we've been working on a 4-3-3, so I'm focusing solely on the position I'm called upon to play in this formation."

At his former club, he worked extensively on non-possession play: "Laval plays a very defensive game, which relies heavily on aggression. We've discussed positions several times, tactics, and other aspects that I think will be useful to me in my new experience with Lecce. The youth academy at my former club has helped me prepare for this new adventure, but I'm 21, so I want and need to grow a lot."

My approach to Lecce and to Lecce itself has been positive: "I've had the chance to get to know the city. I've seen some of the local beaches. I appreciate the people's attitude. Within the group, it helps that I have several French-speaking teammates, who are helping me settle in. I only know Serie A from watching it on television and from my father, who belongs to that generation and experienced it when it was the best league in the world. I know it's a tough tournament, and I'll have to improve day by day to be up to it."

Before accepting the Salento club's offer, he asked: "When they contacted me, I tried to learn about Lecce's history and what they've accomplished over the years. On the pitch, I'm used to giving everything I have because I play with my heart. I want to progress with my new colors."

In the world of football, he takes inspiration from a compatriot of his from the Ivory Coast, who plays the same position: «It's Serge Aurier» (32 years old, who played for Galatasaray in 2024/2025 and who is currently a free agent – ed.).

In Italy, on his playing field, he will have to face many top-level opponents: "I'm happy to compete against top-class players, but there isn't one in particular I'm looking forward to battling with."

Regarding Kouassi, sporting director Stefano Trinchera emphasized: "He's our first signing of the 2025/2026 summer transfer window. We acquired him from Laval on a permanent basis, and he's signed a four-year contract with an option for a further year. I intend to immediately dispel any potential misunderstandings that might arise from his role as a central defender. He's a true right-back. We've carefully analyzed his characteristics, and he has all the qualities required of a player capable of playing this position."

Trinchera continues his description of the new Giallorossi player: "He's physically powerful, very dynamic, and adept at man-marking. Along with Danilo Veiga, he'll form the right-back pairing available to coach Di Francesco for next season. We had him in mind during the January transfer window. Then we continued to monitor him until the end of the season, and now we've brought him to Lecce. We believe in him. He made his debut for his country's Under-23 team, Côte d'Averio, and we believe he has all the necessary skills to earn a place in the senior national team, thanks in part to the path he'll take with Lecce."