Latest news with #Fenerbahce
Daily Record
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Mohamed Diomande has bullish Rangers response for Panathinaikos boss after ominous warning
The midfielder is living the dream in Europe with Rangers and is confident his team mates will deliver the goods in Athens They avoided combusting in a Piraeus powderkeg and kept their cool in a Fenerbahce fire pit. Now, a season on from passing those red hot tests in some of Europe's most volatile arenas, Mohamed Diomande is confident Rangers are ready to put out Panathinaikos' flame in Athens' Olympic Stadium. Diomande insists there's no fear heading into the Champions League qualifying crunch. Not after coming through last season's incendiary clashes with Olympiacos and Fenerbahce on their way to the Europa League quarter final. The midfielder excelled on both those occasions in a 1-1 draw against the side that would go on to become Greek champions and then a 3-1 win that dumped the Special One, Jose Mourinho, in the Turkish side's version of hell. So when Panathianaikos boss Rui Vitoria attempted to get into Rangers' heads by warning that no visiting team finds it easy against his side in Athens then Diomande wasn't buying it. He is confident his team mates have the icy characters required to handle whatever's thrown at them, maybe even literally, and to stick devoutly to the game plan. The Greeks might be lodging at the magnificent 70,000 stadium meaning their notorious 'Gate 13' ultras are off home territory - but Vitoria insists a 'hot atmosphere' still awaits. But asked if he was confident his team mates would cut through the mind games and produce another big result on foreign soil, Diomande said: 'Yes, we have prepared really well and we are ready to deliver on Wednesday night. 'There's a lot of players who have played in this situation before. "A lot of us are used to this kind of thing, also because we play week in and week out at Ibrox. 'So I don't think there's going to be any pressure on us. And I know our fans are going to be loud and that's going to push us to be ready for them as well. 'We just stick to our plans. That is what the coach taught us during the week. We are going to do as much as we can to stick to the plan and give our best." Diomande's first taste of Champions League qualifiers ended in heartache a year ago as Rangers were dumped out by Dynamo Kiev at the first hurdle after having to play their home tie at Hampden with Ibrox undergoing delayed renovations. But despite struggling to lift themselves back off the canvas for the domestic game, Rangers again thrived in the continental arena with big results against Nice, Olympiacos, Fenerbahce and eventual winners Tottenham. The Ivory Coast international admits he is living the dream running out in UEFA competition. But this time he wants an extended run in the continent's money-spinning premier cup competition. To guarantee the £40m league phase dream remains on course they must first ensure they don't throw away a two goal lead against pumped-up Pana who blew three glorious chances to take the lead at Ibrox last week. Diomande said: 'For me, it's a dream to play in these European games. 'Growing up, I always wanted to play in big competitions in Champions League and Europa League and now I have a chance to show myself. 'Also, there are people watching me back home and I'm just happy to play in this competition. I hope we can get the result we want and be in the next round.' Diomande is entering his second full season at Ibrox after turning an initial loan spell into a permanent move in a £4.5m deal from Nordsjaelland last summer. His tireless box-to-box performances have brought admiring glances from across the continent with Besiktas and Everton among those linked with moves. But the 23-year-old insists he is paying no attention to speculation and is interested only in continuing to improve as a player under the new management team. Diomande has been a first pick in the engine room so far this campaign. He started on the right of the midfield three in last week's first leg and is expected to play a similar role this evening. And asked about the interest from other clubs he said: 'I'm happy at Ibrox. I don't see much speculation or what is written. I'm a Rangers player so I'm really focused to give my best for this season. 'To be honest, I think it's been amazing under the new manager. 'I want to be on the ball a lot and I'm happy that he's bringing his ideas. I want to grow as a player and I'm happy that I get his help to reach my goals here. 'I've learned to be tough mentally. I know Ibrox is not an easy place. 'I've been here one year now and I think it's helped me to be tough mentally. Like I said, I'm just happy I'll be able to play a lot of football now and we'll be dominating a lot in the league.' After 18 months in Govan, Diomande is now one of the longest serving players in Martin's squad. He's added leadership on the park to his game. And off it he's trying to be a mentor to the raft of new signings arriving this summer. He said: 'I'm already trying to do that. There are some new players that speak French and I try to help them as much as I can. 'I really hope they can also shine under the new gaffer.'
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report Chiesa prioritising Italy and uninterested in Fenerbahce move
Reports in Italy claim that Federico Chiesa is unmotivated by the idea of a move to join Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super Lig, despite interest from former Inter and Roma head coach Jose Mourinho. Chiesa is expected to be sold by Liverpool this transfer window, just one year on from his transfer away from Juventus. Arne Slot's side paid a €15m fee to bring the 51-time Italy international to Anfield, but are prepared to cut ties after a season that saw him struggle to break into the first-team picture on Merseyside. Federico Ca of Liverpool is challenged by Ryan Manning of Southampton during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium on December 18, 2024 in Southampton, England. (Photo by) Chiesa prioritising Italy over potential Turkey move A number of clubs in Italy have since been linked with a move for the former Fiorentina forward, and it is understood that Chiesa is seeking regular first-team football with the 2026 World Cup taking place at the end of the coming season. Federico Chisea and Liverpool teammates in training ahead of Premier League fixture against Southampton. (picture via According to reports from Chiesa is prioritising a return to Italy this summer, which is part of the reason why he has little interest in joining Mourinho at Fenerbahce. It is understood that Liverpool are seeking a fee of around €15m, the same as what they spent last summer, to sell Chiesa this window.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kings' fan favorite gets $2.7 million contract offer to leave NBA
The Sacramento Kings hosted the best seasons of Richaun Holmes' NBA career. He's been away from the Kings for a couple seasons, but soon, he may not even be in the NBA. Telesport reports that Holmes has been in discussions with Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce about a $2.7 million contract to go overseas for the first time. The report states that Holmes is still waiting to see if an NBA offer comes his way this offseason. Holmes has played 10 seasons in the NBA, most recently for the Wizards. He has played for the Kings, 76ers, Wizards, Suns and Mavericks. MORE: Steph Curry provides clarity on his retirement plans Across four seasons with the Kings, Holmes had his best averages with any team, of 10.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. The 6-foot-10 31-year old played in 31 games this past season for the Wizards at 17.2 minutes per game and put up a ridiculous 64.7% from the field. Holmes can still score the basketball efficiently, and if he goes to Turkey, he'll likely put up strong numbers. With his 32nd birthday coming in October, it's not clear how much NBA time Holmes has left. Maybe one strong season in Europe would give him a final shot to come back to the league. MORE NBA NEWS: Syracuse legend Carmelo Anthony named greatest college basketball player of the millenium LeBron James trade, buyout rumors take 180-degree turn Victor Wembanyama's real reason for training with Chinese monks revealed Damian Lillard explains how WiFi kept him close to new teammate Jrue Holiday Lakers cut ties with 2 guards to make room for Marcus Smart Clippers' Nicolas Batum makes French retirement announcement
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Wisconsin basketball star Nigel Hayes-Davis officially joins Phoenix Suns
Former Wisconsin basketball star Nigel Hayes-Davis officially joined the Phoenix Suns on Friday. Roughly one month removed from the former Badger reportedly agreeing to a one-year deal with the franchise, Hayes-Davis' journey back to the NBA is now official. For the first time since the 2017-18 regular season, the Ohio native will lace up during an NBA regular season this fall. Hayes-Davis' return to the United States' most coveted professional basketball league follows his hectic spring and summer run as a member of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in Turkey. To conclude the 2024-25 EuroLeague campaign, Hayes-Davis helped guide Fenerbahce to an 81-70 victory over Monaco in the final with a 23-point, nine-rebound performance. The output netted him EuroLeague Final Four MVP honors and the club's first title since 2017. After the historic run, Boston Celtics' head coach Joe Mazulla traveled to Istanbul for the Bachesehir - Fenerbahçe game in early June, reigniting Hayes-Davis' reality of playing in the NBA once more. The previous summer, Hayes-Davis earned a Turkish League Championship and MVP honor in Turkey's Basketbol Süper Ligi Finals, where he averaged over 17 points per game to snag finals MVP honors. That pair of runs served as enough evidence for an NBA squad to take a chance on the decorated college and European basketball star. The 6-foot-8 forward suited up in nine games for the Kings, Lakers and Raptors during the 2017-18 slate. He will now return to the hardwood alongside players such as Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams. As a Badger from 2013-17, Hayes-Davis was named Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year (2014), a two-time third-team All-Big Ten (2015, 2017) honoree and an All-Big Ten first team selection (2016). He averaged 12.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists across 150 appearances. Contact/Follow on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin basketball great Nigel Hayes officially returns to NBA
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Wisconsin basketball star agrees to one-year deal with Phoenix Suns
Former Wisconsin Badgers basketball star Nigel Hayes-Davis has agreed to a one-year contract with the Phoenix Suns, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The deal is fully guaranteed. It marks Hayes-Davis' first taste of NBA action since he played five games with the Sacramento Kings during the 2017-18 slate. The news arrives roughly one month after the Badger alumnus wrapped up a spectacular season with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in Turkey. Hayes-Davis capped off the 2024-25 EuroLeague campaign with an 81-70 victory over Monaco, securing him EuroLeague Final Four MVP honors and the club's first championship since 2017. Hayes-Davis' recent title followed another championship run last summer, when he pocketed a Turkish League Championship and MVP honor in Turkey's Basketbol Süper Ligi Finals. The Ohio native averaged over 17 points per game to snag finals MVP honors throughout the series, which ignited his return to professional basketball in the United States. Between his time in Europe, the former Badger suited up alongside the USA Men's National Team during its exhibition schedule before the Olympic crew won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Outside of practice, he played exhibitions in Las Vegas, London and Abu Dhabi alongside a bevy of NBA Hall of Famers, including now-teammate Devin Booker. Hayes-Davis reportedly drew interest from the Boston Celtics' head coach Joe Mazulla, who was spotted in Istanbul for the Bachesehir - Fenerbahçe game in early June. While the Celtics didn't bite, another franchise did. The former Wisconsin standout suited up in nine games for the Kings, Lakers and Raptors during the 2017-18 slate following his career in Madison, but he didn't experience as much success as he did in college. His European basketball journey appears to have rejuvenated his career, and now he will look to compete alongside players like Booker, Jalen Green, Bradley Beal, Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams. During his time in Madison, Hayes-Davis was named Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year (2014), a two-time third-team All-Big Ten (2015, 2017) honoree and an All-Big Ten first team selection in 2016. He, along with Frank Kaminsky and Sam Dekker, wound up in the 2015 NCAA title game against the Duke Blue Devils during one of the most memorable runs in franchise history. Contact/Follow on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin Badgers Basketball Nigel Hayes-Davis Phoenix Suns NBA
