Who is Baye Oumar Niasse?

The signing of Baye Oumar Niasse for Lokomotiv Moscow seems quite astonishing. Even more, if you were following him closely since his shy arrival in Akhisar (Turkey) last summer, when just some executives of the Turkish club welcame him. He was paid almost nothing, 250.000 euros, from his Senegalese former outfit US Ouakam.

Formerly known just for some matches played in Norway with the SK Brann jersey, Niasse arrived in Akhisar without any expectation. Furthermore, the supporters barely noticed the signing. Someone even asked the reason of those 250k euros paid to the Senegalese club, thinking that the investment was a waste of money. Maybe the lack of pressure and the low expectations around him played a crucial role, with the Akhisar coach Hamza Hamzaoglu who decided to play him regularly when the main striker of the club, the Greek Theofanis Gekas, left the club for Konyaspor and got no substitute. Akhisar were expected to be one of the worst outfits of the Turkish Super Lig, favorite to an immediate relegation. Then, the season started. And everything changed, thanks to that Senegalese unknown striker.

Oumar Niasse had an unprecedented impact on the Turkish Super Lig. His terrific speed and an unexpected brilliant feeling with the goal, enhanced by the defenders who barely knew him at the beginning, made him one of the revelations of the whole 2014/2015 season. The numbers, between Super Lig and Turkish National Cup, are there to explain us his explosion:

- Until the Akhisar transfer, Niasse had 4 official appereances and 0 goals. This was just his evanescent Norway short experience . The Akhisar scouting work has been decisive, observing him also at his home club in Senegal and discovering his potential.

- After the Akhisar transfer, Niasse scored in 1 season the beauty of 15 goals between Super Lig and Turkish Cup, made 7 assists for his teammates and many beautiful counterattack runs, favorited by the smart ideas of the coach Hamzaoglu, who has now left Akhisar joining Fatih Terim in the Turkish National Team staff.

Oumar Niasse caught even the headlines of the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, in its Tuesday special called Extra-Time. His story attracted the attention of the Italian journalists because of the Senegalese striker extremely low wage: as Niasse arrived in Akhisar, he signed a contract worth just 9.000 euros per month. By the way, after his first outstanding Turkish months his wages clearly increased. As he didn't stop to score and enchant Akhisar, he convinced many clubs to scout & follow him closely. Trabzonspor were rumoured to be following him, but Lokomotiv reportedly believed in him more, offering 5,5 million to his Turkish club, who couldn't refuse such a offer. They paid him 250k euros just one year ago, after all...

Now, Niasse's future. As his transfer to Loko looks done, many questions are rapidly increasing around the Senegalese goal-machine. Will he adapt well to Russia? Will he be the Akhisar striker who almost beat Galatasaray just by his goals? Will he be able to play also against very locked defensive systems, and not just by counter-attacks? Will the Loko investment of 5,5 million pay-off? Just time knows the answer. The Russian Premier League will tell us if this amazing signing was a bluff, or another immense bargain. Maybe Oumar Niasse will be able to transform in gold everything he touched, as he did in Akhisar. And the 5,5 million paid by Lokomotiv could even become a very little sum for him, by the next summer transfer window.

Thanks to our friends of calcioturco.com

Baye Oumar Niasse: "N'Doye said: «Brother, you must come here»".

Lokomotiv's new signing Baye Oumar Niasse sat for an exclusive interview with the club's web site after the signing of the contract.

- I'm a young player and the transfer in a big clubs is a new step in my career. Lokomotiv gave me this opportunity and so I'm happy. I want to do a lot of good things for the team, the city and to justify the trust of the people.

- We have already a player from Senegal. Is it important for you?

- Very important, because this player can be really useful during the adaptation, enter in the team and explain the situations. Dame is like a brother for me. When I was in Senegal, I have already known about him. He's a great player and if I'm here, it's also thanks to him. We were speaking about Lokomotiv and he said: «Brother, you must come here».

- You seem an outgoing person which have fastly found a contact with fans.

- Yes, you know, I'm an happy boy and when I'm happy I become a little crazy in positive sense. By the fact, Dame spoke me about people and fans, I think that all will be good with them. 

Baye Oumar Niasse signs for Lokomotiv.

Lokomotiv have found an agreement with Turkish club Akhisarspor Belediyespor for the signing of the forward Baye Oumar Niasse. 24 years old, the Senegalese player has signed a long-term contract. He will play in Loko with numer "21". Lokomotiv sportive director Kirill Kotov has commented on the move: "Baye Oumar Niasse will reinforce and bring in diversity to our attacks. He's a real talented forward, who can play equally as a striker or on the sides. His versatility and physical characteristics will be veru useful to us to fight in three competitions this season.  We are sure that Niasse will improve himself and help the team to win."

Player's Bio: HERE.

Lokomotiv and Adidas unveil new kits for 2014-2015 season.

Yesterday, during a particular moment of the meeting with fans, Lokomotiv and Adidas unveiled new kits for 2014-2015 season. Corluka, Tarasov and Samedov together showed them.

Adidas used with the most advanced technologies and the usual colours of Loko. 

The home kit has been realized to underline the contrast of white polo. The green became the main colour completed on the sides by the red. On the back there are the three famous strips of Adidas. Shorts and socks are red. 

The away kit is as usual white with the contrast with red and green. The third kit is black. 

In the developing of the kits, Adidas used the ClimaCool technology. It has been thought to help athletes during the physical efforts. Thanks to the combination of tissues and material, kits provide an optimal temperature and the right comfort during the game. Kits made by Adidas are already in the official Loko stores! Buy them!

Lokomotiv receive the bronze medal and speak with fans.

Yesterday, Lokomotiv Stadium became the site of show during the meeting with fans.

From 18.00 Moscow Time, the Central Stand started filling up. At the end there were about 2000 spectators during the event. First of all, there was the open training, which can be seen by fans. Then, Loko players changed themselves and 30 minutes later they received the bronze medal of RPL.

All the components of Loko have been awarded by the legendary president Vladimir Korotkov and the president of Russian Premier League Sergey Pryadkin. "It was an event that we waited for 8 years, Lokomotiv are finally returned to win a medal in RPL, - said Pryadkin. - I think that this bronze medal glitters of gold."

Then he spoke to the fans: "Friends, I think that here there are the most loyal fans. The new season starts with a bronze medal. I liked yours RPL, you have to love your favourite team."

After this, Lokomotiv awarded 13 fans, who have taken part in all matches of the season. 

Then, Corluka, Tarasov and Samedov unveiled the new kits by Adidas. Sport director Kirill Kotov, instead, introduce the new players to the team: Manuel Fernandes, Nemanja Pejcinovic, Alan Kasaev and Arsenij Logashov. 

After these official ceremonies, Lokomotiv replied to the answers of the fans and offered to all a long autographs session. 

HERE you can find the full photo report of the meeting.

Lokomotiv - Bayer 04 Leverkusen 1-3.

The last friendly match in Austria for Lokomotiv is opened immeditaely poorly for 'Railroaders'. After only 2 minutes, Bayer take the lead thanks to Turkish midfielder Calhanoglu, who beat Abaev with a good shot. 5 minutes later, the German club score again thanks to a penalty of Kiessling.

After this, Loko continue to suffer Bayer attacks, which are very dangerous. Only in the final minutes of first half Kuchuk's team wake up, but nor Maicon nor N'Doye take advantages from the opportunities.

In the second 45 minutes, Bayer don't stop their attacks and at '65 Yurchenko scores the goal of 0-3. Now Loko try to react and 14 minutes later Shishkin doesn't miss a good chance from a Pavlyuchenko assist, 1-3. In the last moments Pavlyuchenko is dangerous again with a shot that not surprise former goalkeeper Kresic, which is not enough to avoid the defeat.

After the game Loko will fly from Munich Airport to Moscow, where on July 24th the society have arranged a meeting with fans. 

Lokomotiv - Bayer 04 1-3

Goals: 2' Chalhanoglu, 7' Kiessling (penalty), 65' Yurchenko, 79' Shishkin.

Lokomotiv: Abaev, Corluka (Belyaev, 74), Durica (Pejcinovic, 46), Denisov (Seraskhov, 77), Yanbaev, Fernandes, Samedov, Anton Miranchuk, Tkachyov (Aleksey Miranchuk, 82), Maicon, N'Doye (Pavlyuchenko, 77).

Bayer 04: Krešić, Spahic, Jedvaj (Hilbert, 46), Wendell, Donati (Wagener, 46), Reinartz, Calhanoglu (Ryu Seung Woo, 46), Castro (Rolfes, 46), Bellarabi, Son Heung-Min, Kiessling (Drmic, 46).

Yellow cards: 48' Pejcinovic,.

July 22nd. Alois Latini Stadium, Zell am See.

Lokomotiv - Greuther Fürth 0-2. Tarasov returns.

In the match against one of the oldest Germany club, Lokomotiv play some youngs in the pitch, like Serashkov, Makarov and Aleksey Miranchuk. The captain is Guilherme, while Pejcinovic forms an interesting couple with Belyaev in the centre of defense.

The first shot is for Mykhalyk, who from a good position waste a great opportunity. Both teams play an offensive game, but no one is dangerous. Although Kasaev seems one of the most inspired for Loko and thanks to him 'Railroaders' create something, the first 45 minutes end on 0-0.

The second half is opened by a great start of Greuther, which score immediately a goal to Guilherme. At 60' in Loko arrive the best moment of the match: Tarasov returns to play after six months. With former Spartak player on the pitch, Kuchuk's teams suffers another goal, scored thanks to a penalty. Now Loko start to attack again, but nor Pavlyuchenko nor Grigorjev are accurate. The game finish 0-2. The next match will be tomorrow against Bayer 04 Leverkusen, at 18.30 Moscow time, the last of Austrian camps.

Lokomotiv - Greuther 0-2

Goals: 47' Vaylandt, 67' Sukalo (penalty).

Lokomotiv: Guilherme, Pejcinovic (Tarasov, 63), Mykhalyk, Shishkin, Belyaev, Seraskhov, Kasaev (Koryan, 64), Grigorjev (Tkachyov, 86), Makarov (Barinov, 75), Al. Miranchuk, Pavlyuchenko.

Greuther: Mickel (Hesl, 88), Korcsmar (Kartalis, 46), Cacutalua (Holter, 59), Baba (Rocker, 46), Furstner (Weilandt, 46; Steininger, 79), Trinks (Przybylko, 59), Pledl (Kayaroglu, 46), Cinar (Sukalo, 46), Mudrinski (Stiepermann, 59), Zulj (Lam, 59). 

July 21st. Sportplatze Stadium, Oberwang.

Happy birthday, Sasha!

Today midfielder of Lokomotiv and Russian national team Aleksander Samedov is 30. We are grateful to Sasha for his time in Loko! We wish to him happiness, good health and success in whole of his life! 

One day, two friendly matches.

Lokomotiv continue to prepare next season, today is the turn of two friendly matches, which allowed to Kuchuk to discover better the situation of 'Railroaders'. The first game was played against Chernomorets Odessa from Ukraine. Loko won 2-1 and the protagonist was absolutely Roman Pavlyuchenko, who scored a beatiful duble. The former goal was a perfect free kick, the latter instead a fantastic kick from the medium distance. Good feelings also from Makarov, who has been promoted from reserves for this camp. Tigorev played all the game and seemed that the injury is passed. Finally, Lantratov debutted for Loko. He entered at 84' for Abaev. 

Lokomotiv XI v Chernomorets: Abaev (Lantratov, 84), Mykhalyk, Shishkin, Belyaev, Yanbaev, Kasaev, Grigorjev (Koryan, 63), Tigorev, Makarov (Barinov, 82), Aleksey Miranchuk, Pavlyuchenko.

At 20.30 Moscow time, instead, the second part of Loko team played v Fortuna Dusseldorf. Kuchuk made some experiments, in particular tried the couple Sheshukov-Anton Miranchuk in the midfield and Seraskhov on the right back. In both cases, the players gave good impressions, especially Anton Miranchuk, who invented the assist for the goal of 1-0 of Tkachyov (the game finished 1-1). Corluka and Samedov returned to play with Loko after the World Cup in Brazil, while in the final minutes the Belarusian coach gave some minutes also to Barinov and Koryan, both from reserves. Next match on 21th Monday against Greuther, always from Germany. 

Lokomotiv XI v Fortuna: Guilherme, Corluka (Pejcinovic, 46), Durica, Denisov, Seraskhov, Fernandes (Barinov, 88), Sheshukov, Anton Miranchuk, Tkachyov (Koryan, 88), Maicon (Samedov, 62), N'Doye.

Magomed Ozdoev on loan to Rubin Kazan'.

Lokomotiv have reached an accord with Rubin for the transfer of Magomed Ozdoev. The 21 years old midfielder will play next season on loan in Kazan' with number "27".

His contract expires on September 30th 2015. So far he has played 68 matches at Cherkizovo (from 2010 to 2014) and scored 3 goals. 

Thanks for all and good luck in Kazan', Magomed!

Rubin-Lokomotiv will open Kazan' Arena.

As reported by euro-football.ru, the 4th match of the RPL 2014-2015 in program on August 17th between Rubin and Lokomotiv will open the Kazan' Arena. 

The stadium, built in 2013, hasn't already pass all the certifications and for this Rubin will play the first match on August 1st against Spartak at Tsentralnyi Stadium. Kazan' Arena can host about 45.000 spectators. 

Nikita Salamatov signs for FC Khimki.

Former Lokomotiv midfielder and captain Nikita Salamatov has signed a contract for FC Khimki, which play in Russian Vtoroj Divizion. Nikita grew up in FC Mosca and in season 2011-2012 he transferred to Lokomotiv. 

At Cherkizovo he played 3.5 years, 47 matches and scored 6 goals with reserves. In season 2013-2014, he was also the captain. He played three friendly matches with reserves team of Russia. 

Blog and Lokomotiv are thankeful to Nikita for the time he spent with us and wish him good luck in his future career!

Lokomotiv start the second training camp.

Yesterday afternoon, Lokomotiv flew from Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow to the second training camp in Austria. As two weeks ago, "Railroaders" arrived in Munich Airport. From there, the bus carried players to the city of Werfenweng, which is 60 kilometers from Salzburg. Here, Loko will stay until July 22th and will have 4 friendly matches (against Fortuna Düsseldorf, SpVgg Greuther Fürth and Bayer 04 Leverkusen, plus another opponents). Here you can find the photo report of the travel. 

Kasaev and Logashov have chosen their numbers.

Midfielder Alan Kasaev and defender Arsenij Logashov have chosen their numbers for the season 2014-2015. Former Rubin Kazan' will play with shirt '3': "When I started playing football, I used number 3, so I have decided to take it. I hope that it will a lucky number at Lokomotiv. I really believe in it". Logashov, instead, has chosen the shirt '15': "When I signed a contract with Anzhi, I hadn't a number. So I entered into the changing rooms and I saw my shirt with '15'. Now I got used. At Lokomotiv it was free and so I have chosen it."

Three reserves leave Lokomotiv.

Three reserves of Lokomotiv leave Moscow. Defenders Temur Mustafin and Mikhail Martynov sign with Rostov. Midfielder Aleksander Lomakin (top scorer of the last championship), instead, is a new player of Yenisey Krasnojarsk. 

Alan Kasaev: "I can say that I settled into the team."

Midfielder Alan Kasaev has spoken about his first training camp at Lokomotiv. 

- The first training camp in Austria is finished. What do you think? 

"In my opinion, we have fully completed the coaching plan. Exercises interesting, good work with running and a lot of tactics. This was my first camp with Loko, I had to get used to into the team and understand what coach want. Now I can say that I got used to and all is clear."

- What can you say about the team? We think that during the camp you tried to socialize. 

"I was good accepted. I know a lot of my teammates at Lokomotiv: Shishkin, Tarasov, Pavlyuchenko - we are as a family. The team is kind and the group good. I'm satisfied."

- We have seen the wishes for the birthday of Grigorjev. Don't you hide April 8th (the birthday of Alan Kasaev)? 

"During the joke, I was playing tennis ball with Maks and so I saw all (laugh). I don't hide, I'm outgoing.

- And what about running away? You are a fast player.

"I'll let to capture me (laugh)."

Lokomotiv plan the second training camp in Austria.

The first camp in Austria is finished and at Cherkizovo the society already plan the second. It is going to be in Salzburg from 11st to 22nd July. On July 16th, Lokomotiv will face Fortuna Düsseldorf, on 21st SpVgg Greuther Fürth and on 22nd Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Other opponents for the first part of the training camp will be added later.

Amichevole: Viktoria Plzen - Lokomotiv 2-4.

Si chiude con una vittoria il primo ritiro austriaco per la squadra di Kuchuk. Nell'amichevole contro il Viktoria Plzen la Loko parte bene, anche se a Seraskhov viene annullato un gol in apertura di match. I 'Ferrovieri' provano giocare palla a terra, snaturando un po' il credo della passata stagione, e proprio per questo il Viktoria non perdona. In contropiede, infatti, Rajtoral supera Denisov e batte a rete dopo l'imprecisa respinta Guilherme. Nonostante questo i rossoverdi non si demoralizzano e grazie ad un positivo Fernandes rimangono sempre in partita, con il portoghese che risulta un elemento imprescindibile dello scacchiere già a luglio. La Loko per è imprecisa, sbaglia molto N'Doye, per questo si arriva così alla fine dei primi quarantacinque minuti ancora con i cechi in vantaggio. Nessun problema, però: Fernandes inventa di nuovo, serve N'Doye che manda a rete Tkachyov per l'1-1.Come contro il Monaco 1860, nella ripresa Kuchuk cambia molto, facendo rimanere in campo il solo Sheshukov, autore di una prestazione di tutto rispetto, sostituito però da li a poco per fare spazio al promettente Makarov. Il secondo tempo, tuttavia, non inizia nel migliore dei modi. E', infatti, ancora il Viktoria a segnare, sfruttando con Kolar una grave disattenzione rossoverde su un calcio d'angolo apparentemente innocuo. A questo punto, però, la Loko si sveglia e in particolar modo grazie al suo elemento di maggior talento: Aleksey Miranchuk. Prima con un'ottima accelerazione manda in porta Grigorjev, il quale guadagna e segna un rigore. Poi, servito da Kasaev, si inventa un gol da campione e porta il parziale sul 2-3. Sempre lui, inoltre, in contropiede successivamente si mangia la rete della possibile doppietta. I cechi non ripartono più, però, così gli uomini di Kuchuk guadagnano campo. Prima del fischio finale c'è spazio per il double di Grigorjev, il quale lanciato a meraviglia da Makarov batte per la seconda volta Kozacik. Su questa azione si chiude un match divertente e pieno di spunti. Su tutti, da segnalare i propositivi Fernandes e Miranchuk. Ora si torna a Mosca, per poi rivolare di nuovo in Austria l'11 luglio per la seconda tranche di ritiro. Stay tuned.

Lokomotiv - Viktoria Plzen 4-2 
6' Rajtoral, 45' Tkachyov, 53' Kolar, 68' Grigorjev (rig.), 76' Aleksey Miranchuk, 90'+2 Grigorjev.
Lokomotiv: Guilherme (Abaev, 46), Seraskhov (Shishkin, 46), Pejcinovic (Mykhalyk, 46), Durica (Belyaev, 46), Denisov (Yanbaev, 46), Sheshukov (Makarov, 62), Anton Miranchuk (Aleksey Miranchuk, 46), Fernandes (Tigorev, 46), Tkachyov (Koryan, 46), Maicon (Grigorjev, 46), N'Doye (Kasaev, 46).
Viktoria: Kozacik, Reznik, Hejda (Hubnik, 70), Prochazka, Limberský, Horvat (Stratil, 75), Hrosovsky, Rajtoral (Petrzela, 60), Kolar (Chramosta, 75), Kovarzhik, Tecl (Bakos, 60).
7 luglio. Centro sportivo di Westendorf, Westendorf. 

EXCLUSIVE: Artyom Vyatkin: "Support Loko always and everywhere; RPL need the limit."

Artyom Vyatkin, Lokomotiv reserves player, has spoken to us about his career, Loko-2 and Russian football. Enjoy this exclusive interview!

- Privet Artyom. Welcome to the International fan club of Loko.
"Hello."

- Tell us something about you and your career. How did you become a footballer?
"I started playing football when I was 8 years old, I asked to my mother to approach me to football. I started in the nursery school of SKA Khabarovsk, then I went in Rostov-on-Don. I worked for 15 years in the football academy school of Viktor Ponedelnik under the leadership of the great Serbian coach Aleksander Veselinović. I'm grateful for all that he have done for me. Then, together with my family, we decided to move in Moscow. I had to choose between Spartak and Lokomotiv, I have preferred the second option.
Two years later I was promoted to reserves, but I played not much because I had some serious problems with adductors. I was out for about 9 months. When I recovered, I was loaned to Loko-2, where I played the second part of the season. After this, the team was closed and so I returned to reserves."

- Well. You have said that Loko-2 have been closed down. What was the atmosphere? And the objectives? How will the future of players be now?
"All happened very quickly. Our goal was the highest result, but suddenly the team was closed."

- You were the youngest player in the team. What did you feel about it?
"It wasn't easy at first, but the older guys supported me and I quickly settled in the team."

- You returned in the main Loko with Lantratov. What can you say about Ilya? And about you, where do you prefer playing on the pitch?
"Ilya is my friend. I lived also with him, he's a good goalkeeper. Usually I play as central defender."

- What is your football dream? Maybe, have you just spoken with Kuchuk?
"I dream to play for Real Madrid. About Kuchuk, I haven't spoken with him.

- What do you think about the limit of "legionaries"? Is it good for the development of Russian football or not? Would you like to abolish it?
"I think that for the development of Russian football, RPL need the limit. It's necessary because in this way Russian players can play more ."

- Write a message for all Lokomotiv fans around the world.
"Support Lokomotiv always and everywhere, we really need your support."

- Spasibo Artyom. The interview is finished. Good luck for the next season in Loko! 

Amichevole: Lokomotiv - Monaco 1860 1-2.

Parte male la Loko nella sua prima uscita. Nella piccola città austriaca di Walchsee, infatti, gli uomini di Kuchuk non riescono a superare i tedeschi del Monaco 1860, attualmente militante nella seconda serie in Germania. Il tecnico bielorusso fin da subito ha provato una formazione nuova, dando minuti importanti ai nuovi acquisti, Pejcinovic su tutti, che nei primi quarantacinque minuti ha costituito con Belyaev una coppia inedita. Titolare anche Kasaev, il quale col numero "3" ha occupato la corsia di destra insieme a capitan Shishkin. Il primo tempo si è concluso con il TSV avanti grazie a capitan Weigl, mentre nella ripresa è Hayn a regalare il raddoppio teutonico. Del solito N'Doye l'unica rete rossoverde. Da segnalare anche il debutto di Fernandes, mentre nel finale Kuchuk ha dato spazio pure ai più giovani (Lobantsev, Lantratov, Makarov e Koryan), i quali hanno giocato qualche minuto. Il risultato sicuramente non è positivo, ma visti gli appena 5 giorni di ritiro, è una sconfitta accettabile, specie visti i nuovi innesti. Prossimo impegno Lunedì 7 luglio contro i cechi del Viktoria Plzen, ore 19.00 moscovite. Questa sarà l'ultima amichevole di questo ritiro. 

Lokomotiv - Monaco 1860 1-2 

44' Weigl, 67' Hayn, 74' N'Doye.

Lokomotiv: Abaev (Guilherme, 46), Shishkin (Denisov, 46), Pejcinovic (Mykhalyk, 46), Belyaev (Durica 46), Yanbaev (Seraskhov, 65), Tigorev (An. Miranchuk 65), Ozdoev (Sheshukov 46), Kasaev (Grigorjev, 46), Al. Miranchuk (Fernandes, 46), Tkachyov (Maicon, 46), Pavlyuchenko (N'Doye, 46). 

1 luglio. Ramshbah Stadion, Walchsee.