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New Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
EPL legends share their views with Timesport
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Manchester United stars Dimitar Berbatov, Ryan Giggs and Chelsea icon John Terry share their thoughts with the Malaysian media after playing in the Zurich Liga 7x7 All Stars tournament at the KLFA Stadium on Saturday. Berbatov, Giggs and Terry led their respective sides in a friendly yet competitive showcase of global and local talent. Terry captained the Bangsa Bola team to a 6-2 victory over the Wizards, a team led by Giggs, in the Zurich Liga 7x7 final. Former Selangor forward Sean Selvaraj stole the show with four goals, while Mahali Jasuli and Negri Sembilan's Sebastian Avanzini added one each. The Wizards featured Malaysian legends Indra Putra Mahayuddin, R. Kogileswaran and women's national player Intan Serah. Berbatov's Zurich team finished third after edging Safee Sali's Harimau side in the playoff. Bulgarian Berbatov believes Southeast Asian players have the potential to shine on the global stage. "I wish you guys and the young players to go abroad and play in the big European clubs. It's going to be good for you and your country. You can promote your country and make your country famous too," he said. As for what makes a great footballer, Berbatov said one needs to have the inner drive and mental resilience to succeed. "To become a good player, you need ambition, concentration, and stubbornness to get through difficult times." Asked who will win the Premier League this season, Berbatov said: "I want to say United, or Spurs (Tottenham Hotspur), because I used to play for them. But it's going to be difficult. Liverpool are a big contender. Man City, of course, for sure. Many big teams will compete for the title. But who will win it? Honestly, I don't know." Meanwhile, Terry was proud of his former club, Chelsea, winning the Club World Cup in the United States recently. "It's good to go and win the Club World Cup over in America. It bodes well for the season," said the former England captain. "As a Chelsea ex-player and Chelsea fan, it's an exciting time to be a Chelsea fan." Giggs, who spent his entire career at Old Trafford, believes that United must return to their attacking roots and recruit wisely to regain their former dominance. "United are traditionally an attacking team. I think that's where we've fallen short over the last few years, just relying on Bruno Fernandes' goals," he said. "We've had goal scorers, but everyone needs to score goals within the team when we've been successful. "It's exciting times. We still need maybe four or five more signings, but we'll have to wait and see. I expect more goals next year and an exciting player as well," he said.
The Star
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Giggs gets a kick out of small-sided games, but insists 11-a-side still the foundation
On the ball: Ryan Giggs fielding questions from reporters during the event. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star PETALING JAYA: Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs is embracing the rise of small-sided football formats like the Ballers League, but insists that traditional 11-a-side football remains the sport's foundation and will never be replaced. Speaking before the start of the Liga 7x7 All-Stars tournament at the Cheras Football Stadium yesterday, Giggs acknowledged the growing popularity of five-a-side and seven-a-side competitions that mix former pros, influencers and celebrities – but was clear about the balance the sport needs to strike. 'Yeah, I think there's room for both,' said Giggs. 'Obviously, 11-a-side will always be there. It's your bread and butter – every league and every international competition in the world is built on it. But I think smaller formats of the game are exciting too. Quicker matches, rolling subs, more goals – it's a great watch.' The Welshman, now 52, admits that small-sided formats have particular appeal for older players like himself. 'Yeah, I'm very excited. We're looking forward to it and I'm sure the fans are too. Obviously, for us older players, the smaller the pitch, the better!' he joked. Giggs compared the rise of compact football formats to trends seen in other sports. 'We're in an age now where people want things quickly. If you look at cricket with T20 and The Hundred, or tennis with shorter scoring formats, sports are adapting to faster lifestyles. Football's no different – smaller-sided games are faster, have more goals, and they keep fans engaged.' Giggs, joined by fellow former stars John Terry and Dimitar Berbatov during the tournament, also stressed how important fan interaction is during these events, especially in regions where watching European football comes with time zone challenges. 'Myself, John, and Dimitar, love coming abroad and meeting the fans. We did it as players on pre-season tours or international duty, and this is no different. 'It's also a thank you to all the fans. We know it's not easy in this part of the world – you're watching games at 2am, 3am. So to be here, sign autographs, take pictures, and play a bit is just our way of saying thanks.' Turning his attention to his beloved Manchester United, Giggs believes the Red Devils must improve in the attacking department to return to the top. 'United are traditionally an attacking team and I think that's where we've fallen short in recent years. 'We've relied heavily on Bruno Fernandes for goals. When we've been successful in the past, goals have come from everywhere in the team.' He sees recent signing Bryan Mbeumo – who arrives with Premier League pedigree – as a step in the right direction. 'Hopefully, Mbeumo adds more goals. He's got Premier League experience, so he should hit the ground running. Together with (Matheus) Cunha, it's exciting. But I still think we need four or five more signings to compete.'
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
EPL legends Terry, Giggs, Berbatov in KL for 7x7 action [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: EPL legends John Terry, Ryan Giggs and Dimitar Berbatov are in town to get Malaysians to play a new type of football — the seven-a-side game. Terry, Giggs and Berbatov feel that the 7x7 game suits them perfectly, especially at this stage of their careers. The trio are playing in the inaugural Zurich Liga 7x7 All Stars, which kicks off at KLFA Stadium today. "It's a great concept. We're doing something very similar back home," said former Chelsea captain Terry. "I was speaking to Adam Azman (Liga X CEO) about organising it here. It's a format that works in England, so hopefully this is the start of something we can return to annually." Terry, who will captain Team Bangsa Bola under Tan Sri Nazir Razak, said the smaller pitch for the seven-a-side game makes it ideal for players who may no longer have the legs they once had. "The pitch is compact, which is great for us older players. We're looking forward to it," said Terry. "I think this style of football is exciting. The game has evolved over the last decade, it's slower now than it was during our time, but this format brings a new kind of energy." Terry also highlighted the format's appeal to younger, digital-savvy audiences. "It blends the worlds of football and entertainment. You have ex-pros, influencers, streamers, and the following is huge," he said. "Mixing former footballers with social media personalities works. It reaches a wider crowd." Giggs, who was also in KL two months ago to promote the Manchester United-Asean All-Stars match, said modern audiences are drawn to short, sharp formats. "We're in an age now where everyone wants things quickly. Look at cricket in 2020, shorter formats are more popular, and other sports are following suit," added the Manchester United icon. Giggs will turn out for Team Wizards, managed by former sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin. "Khairy's very persuasive," Giggs said with a grin. "But honestly, we love going abroad and connecting with fans. Myself, Terry, Berbatov, we're always up for it." Berbatov, who will represent Team Zurich under Zurich Malaysia country head Junior Cho, said this form of football has long been part of his roots. "Back home in Bulgaria, this type of football has always been popular. Even as a little boy, I played five-a-side, six-a-side, seven-a-side, I still do today," said the former Manchester United and Tottenham striker. "It's a great format. It forces you to be more technical, especially in tight spaces. It's a great way to sharpen your skills." Tan Sri Tony Fernandes leads the fourth team who will feature Malaysia's very own Safee Sali in the 7x7 showcase.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
EPL legends Terry, Giggs, Berbatov in KL for 7x7 action
Farah Azharie KUALA LUMPUR: EPL legends John Terry, Ryan Giggs and Dimitar Berbatov are in town to get Malaysians to play a new type of football — the seven-a-side game. Terry, Giggs and Berbatov feel that the 7x7 game suits them perfectly, especially at this stage of their careers. The trio are playing in the inaugural Zurich Liga 7x7 All Stars, which kicks off at KLFA Stadium today. "It's a great concept. We're doing something very similar back home," said former Chelsea captain Terry. "I was speaking to Adam Azman (Liga X CEO) about organising it here. It's a format that works in England, so hopefully this is the start of something we can return to annually." Terry, who will captain Team Bangsa Bola under Tan Sri Nazir Razak, said the smaller pitch for the seven-a-side game makes it ideal for players who may no longer have the legs they once had. "The pitch is compact, which is great for us older players. We're looking forward to it," said Terry. "I think this style of football is exciting. The game has evolved over the last decade, it's slower now than it was during our time, but this format brings a new kind of energy." Terry also highlighted the format's appeal to younger, digital-savvy audiences. "It blends the worlds of football and entertainment. You have ex-pros, influencers, streamers, and the following is huge," he said. "Mixing former footballers with social media personalities works. It reaches a wider crowd." Giggs, who was also in KL two months ago to promote the Manchester United-Asean All-Stars match, said modern audiences are drawn to short, sharp formats. "We're in an age now where everyone wants things quickly. Look at cricket in 2020, shorter formats are more popular, and other sports are following suit," added the Manchester United icon. Giggs will turn out for Team Wizards, managed by former sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin. "Khairy's very persuasive," Giggs said with a grin. "But honestly, we love going abroad and connecting with fans. Myself, Terry, Berbatov, we're always up for it." Berbatov, who will represent Team Zurich under Zurich Malaysia country head Junior Cho, said this form of football has long been part of his roots. "Back home in Bulgaria, this type of football has always been popular. Even as a little boy, I played five-a-side, six-a-side, seven-a-side, I still do today," said the former Manchester United and Tottenham striker. "It's a great format. It forces you to be more technical, especially in tight spaces. It's a great way to sharpen your skills."
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Terry, Giggs, Berbatov come to KL for 7x7 action
Farah Azharie KUALA LUMPUR: EPL legends John Terry, Ryan Giggs and Dimitar Berbatov are in town to get Malaysians to play a new type of football — the seven-a-side game. Terry, Giggs and Berbatov feel that the 7x7 game suits them perfectly, especially at this stage of their careers. The trio are playing in the inaugural Zurich Liga 7x7 All Stars, which kicks off at KLFA Stadium today. "It's a great concept. We're doing something very similar back home," said former Chelsea captain Terry. "I was speaking to Adam Azman (Liga X CEO) about organising it here. It's a format that works in England, so hopefully this is the start of something we can return to annually." Terry, who will captain Team Bangsa Bola under Tan Sri Nazir Razak, said the smaller pitch for the seven-a-side game makes it ideal for players who may no longer have the legs they once had. "The pitch is compact, which is great for us older players. We're looking forward to it," said Terry. "I think this style of football is exciting. The game has evolved over the last decade, it's slower now than it was during our time, but this format brings a new kind of energy." Terry also highlighted the format's appeal to younger, digital-savvy audiences. "It blends the worlds of football and entertainment. You have ex-pros, influencers, streamers, and the following is huge," he said. "Mixing former footballers with social media personalities works. It reaches a wider crowd." Giggs, who was also in KL two months ago to promote the Manchester United-Asean All-Stars match, said modern audiences are drawn to short, sharp formats. "We're in an age now where everyone wants things quickly. Look at cricket in 2020, shorter formats are more popular, and other sports are following suit," added the Manchester United icon. Giggs will turn out for Team Wizards, managed by former sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin. "Khairy's very persuasive," Giggs said with a grin. "But honestly, we love going abroad and connecting with fans. Myself, Terry, Berbatov, we're always up for it." Berbatov, who will represent Team Zurich under Zurich Malaysia country head Junior Cho, said this form of football has long been part of his roots. "Back home in Bulgaria, this type of football has always been popular. Even as a little boy, I played five-a-side, six-a-side, seven-a-side, I still do today," said the former Manchester United and Tottenham striker. "It's a great format. It forces you to be more technical, especially in tight spaces. It's a great way to sharpen your skills." Tan Sri Tony Fernandes leads the fourth team who will feature Malaysia's very own Safee Sali in the 7x7 showcase.
