Hull City midfielder Lucas Gourna-Douath has given a fascinating insight into his short spell playing under legendary French World Cup winner Thierry Henry.
Gourna-Douath arrived at City in the summer from RB Salzburg and is eager to get his career back on track and grasp the chance to play in the Premier League with Sergej Jakirovic’s Tigers.
Henry, who famously led Arsenal to the Premier League title under Arsene Wenger, as well as winning the World Cup with France, gave the City summer signing his debut with Les Blues’ Under-21 side three years ago.
Gourna-Douath’s only three appearances for the Under-21s came under Henry’s stewardship, with his debut coming in a 9-0 thrashing of Cyprus.
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In that period in late 2023, the 23-year-old says the mark left by Henry will never be forgotten, and has helped him become a Premier League player.
“You know how big Thierry Henry is, he was an unbelievable player, unbelievable coach as well,” the Frenchman tells Hull Live as he reflects on a pivotal period in his football upbringing. “He was really, really good. He taught me a lot of things, and I think I’m better because of him.”
Working under a player like Henry, who had such a glittering career both with club and country, it would be hard not to take something from him, and Gourna-Douath was no different.
“Mentality,” he said sharply when asked about the key trait he picked up from Henry. “You have to kill people on your way. You have to take care of yourself. You have to be ready every day. You have to work, work and work every day. With that mentality, I work every day, so if you come in my way, I will show you that I’m more angry than you.”
The midfield options at Sergej Jakirovic’s disposal look mouthwatering, with Gourna-Douth battling Wembley heroes Matt Crooks and Regan Slater, along with new arrivals Tim Iroegbunam, Japanese international Morita and Christos Mouzakitis, plus Jens Hjerto-Dahl and Darko Gyabi, once he returns from injury.
In the early weeks of the season, the 23-year-old has had to be patient for his opportunities, but says playing alongside the likes of Morita can only help his game improve as he looks to get to grips with life in English football.
“Morita is one example because I know him from before. We played Champions League,” the midfielder continued. “We don’t play against each other, but I know him from Sporting. He’s a really experienced guy, so I have to take some clips of him. I’m just 23 years old. I have to keep improving, so for sure I have to take those kinds of guys like an example.”
He may only be 23, but already Gourna-Douath has had quite a career, playing under Henry, and also the legendary Italian boss, Claudio Ranieri.
After moving to RB Salzburg for an Austrian record transfer fee (15m euros – £13m) in 2023 from Saint Etienne, he was signed by Ranieri who was head coach at Italian Serie A giants, Roma, and although it was a spell hampered by injury, it was one he won’t forget in a hurry.
“Ranieri was a top manager, he was like my dad,” Gourna-Douath continued. “I really love him, he brought me from Salzburg to Roma. We spent one year, one fantastic year together. It was unlucky that I got injured. He was a top guy with good teammates. I took this experience on my back, and I’m really looking forward now.”
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