Latest news with #Liga7x7All-Stars
The Star
19-07-2025
- 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.'
The Star
19-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Berbatov urges more Asian players to get on board to play abroad
the Liga 7X7 Zurich matches. Dimitar Berbatov. 19 JULY 2025 —CHAN TAK KONG/The Star PETALING JAYA: Former Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur striker Dimitar Berbatov has encouraged Asian footballers to dream bigger and push themselves to compete in top-tier European leagues - including the Premier League - as he reflected on his admiration for Asian football culture and his own experiences in global football. Berbatov, speaking before the start of the Liga 7x7 All-Stars tournament at the Cheras Football Stadium yesterday, praised the enthusiasm for the game in the region and called on young players to embrace the challenge of playing abroad. "I used to play with Park Ji-sung at Manchester United, and he's like a god in this part of the world," said the Bulgarian legend. "I wish more players from here would go abroad and play in the big European clubs. It's good for them, it's good for their country, and it helps raise the reputation of Asian football globally." Berbatov emphasised that technical ability and mental strength are crucial qualities for young players looking to break through at the highest levels. "To become a good player, you need ambition, focus, and yes - a bit of stubbornness - especially when things get tough. It's not easy, but that's what separates the great from the good.' Berbatov also took time to praise the rising popularity of small-sided football formats, such as five-a-side and seven-a-side tournaments that are growing rapidly around the world, including across Asia. "I always love coming back here. This is already my second time this year. When it's about football - and when you love football - even if we are a bit older now, we still want to play. It's a great idea, and we're here to entertain and have fun." He noted that small-sided football has always been popular in Bulgaria, where he grew up playing in tight spaces that helped him develop the famed technical skill that defined his career. "Formats like this help promote technical ability. The game is quicker, the spaces are tighter - it's great for developing control and vision. Maybe some of the rules today are a bit extreme,' he joked. "But I'll get to experience them myself." When asked about who he believes will win the Premier League title this coming season, Berbatov remained diplomatic but admitted the competition will be intense. "I want to say Manchester United, of course. And Tottenham - I used to play for both. But it will be difficult. "Liverpool are always contenders. Manchester City - for sure. There are a lot of strong teams that will fight for it. But honestly, I don't know who will win. We'll see." As one of the Premier League's most elegant forwards of his generation, Berbatov now uses his platform to promote football globally - and he believes the next big star could easily emerge from Asia, if players here are willing to take the leap. "If you have the talent, go abroad. Test yourself. That's how you grow and that's how the world sees what you can do."
The Star
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Chelsea legend Terry backs small-side football
the Liga 7X7 Zurich matches. John Terry. 19 JULY 2025 —CHAN TAK KONG/The Star PETALING JAYA: Chelsea legend John Terry has thrown his support behind the rising wave of five-a-side and seven-a-side football tournaments that blend social media influencers, streamers, and former professionals, calling it a refreshing evolution in the global football landscape. Speaking before the start of the Liga 7x7 All-Stars tournament at the Cheras Football Stadium yesterday, Terry praised the growing trend that has gripped fans and players alike around the world. "First of all, it's a great concept. We're doing something very similar back home, called the Ballers League,' said the former England international. "Speaking to Adam (founder of the league Adam Azman) and the guys here organising it, the format works. Hopefully, this is the start of something we can come back to annually and keep building on. It's a great idea." With small pitches and modified rules, the format caters not just to up-and-coming talent but also to former players like Terry, who still relish the competitive edge without the physical toll of the 11-a-side game. "The pitch is quite small, which is nice for us older players,' he joked. "So yeah, I'm looking forward to it." Beyond the appeal to retired professionals, Terry was particularly enthusiastic about how the inclusion of digital creators has transformed how fans engage with the sport. "This format and this style of football are very exciting. The game's changed over the last 10 years - it's slower than when we played - but the eyes we can get on it now with streamers, YouTubers, and social media influencers is massive. "A mix of ex-footballers and influencers works. The events are getting big followings and that helps to grow the game differently." Turning his attention to his beloved Chelsea, Terry expressed optimism about the club's direction heading into the 2025-2026 season, especially after the team's triumph at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. "Well, I think it's exciting. The club have a lot of players at the moment and I'm sure there's going to be some movement in the market still,' he noted. "But listen, it's good to go and win the Club World Cup over in America. That bodes well for the season." Terry, who captained Chelsea through one of their most successful eras, emphasised the importance of regrouping ahead of the Premier League restart. "Hopefully the players can get some rest now and come back ready to go again. As a Chelsea ex-player and a Chelsea fan, it's an exciting time to be a Chelsea supporter."
