COLCHESTER United new boy Kylian Kouassi says he is eager to show everyone what he can do after making a deadline-day move from Blackpool.
The 23-year-old forward completed a deadline-day switch from the Tangerines and was introduced as a second-half substitute in the U’s 2-0 League Two defeat at Bristol Rovers.
Kouassi had only limited time to settle with his new team-mates before being called upon at the Memorial Stadium but says he has immediately felt welcomed into Danny Cowley’s squad.
Kouassi said: “I’m happy to be here.
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“It’s been a while with a lot of things happening back at Blackpool but I’m happy for this move and I know Danny and Nicky have full confidence in me and I have full confidence in them.
“I’m happy to start this journey with them and I’m here to show them what I can do and show the fans as well.
“I feel ready, I feel good – it’s just about building the minutes up and start putting the work in.”
Kouassi was brought on shortly after the hour mark against Bristol Rovers, with Colchester chasing a way back into the game.
The former Sutton United and Salford City forward revealed the Cowley brothers had given him a clear instruction ahead of his first appearance for the U’s: build up his match fitness and look to make an immediate impact in front of goal.
“Danny and Nicky told me I was going to come on around the 60th minute,” he added.
“They told me to go out there and build some minutes and the aim was to go and get a goal, which would have been nice.
“I didn’t really have too much time before the game to get to know my team-mates and there were a lot of things going really fast but the boys really welcomed me from the moment I came in.”
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Kouassi is keen to establish himself quickly at Colchester and believes supporters will see a forward willing to provide a physical threat as well as a cutting edge.
Asked what U’s fans can expect from him, he said: “Excitement, determination on the pitch, hungry to score goals, hungry to work hard and win games.
“I feel like I bring leadership; I like to show I can put my weight about and be physical at the top end.
“I always back myself so let the season go ahead and see what happens.”
Kouassi also stressed the importance of mentality as Colchester aim to turn promising spells into points.
“It’s the mentality that we have to keep going and it’ll end up in our favour, we’ve just got to bring some personality,” he said.
“It’s a good group of lads and I can’t wait to build up a relationship with them and start winning games.
“League Two is a hard league – you have to fight and find a way to get some points.
“It’s a very competitive league and there’s always ways to win games.”
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Colchester left Bristol Rovers empty-handed after pressing for an equaliser in the closing stages, only to be caught open as substitute Ellis Harrison made the game safe in stoppage time.
Kouassi believes the U’s must learn quickly from the setback and take that response into Saturday’s trip to Swindon Town.
“It didn’t really go our way,” he added.
Kouassi's first appearance for the U's.#ColU | #WeAreUnited pic.twitter.com/FUTKaSimPQ
— Colchester United FC (@ColU_Official) September 2, 2026
“I feel like they played to their strengths – they knew their strengths and they did well.
“We were pushing for an equaliser and it left us open, so we go into the next training session and recognise that and make sure we put that towards Saturday.
“We came out with a plan and we didn’t execute so we’ve just got to focus on the next one and make sure we get points on the road.”
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