Carlo Ancelotti Calls for Suspension of Football in Spain Amidst Valencia Floods
Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach of Real Madrid, has voiced strong opinions regarding the continuation of football in Spain following the devastating flash floods that struck Valencia last week, marking some of the worst flooding the region has seen in decades.
His remarks come in light of the postponement of Real Madrid’s match against Valencia, while other LaLiga games proceeded as scheduled.
Ancelotti expressed his disbelief that matches were allowed to continue in other parts of the country, emphasizing that the current atmosphere in Spain is not conducive to celebrating football. “Football is a party, and you can only celebrate when you, your family, and everyone around you are well.
When people are suffering, you don’t party,” he stated during a press conference ahead of Madrid’s Champions League match against his former club, AC Milan.
The Italian manager argued that football should take a backseat during such tragedies, stating, “Football has to stop… For me, it does. It is the most important of the least important things in life.” He acknowledged that while they are not the decision-makers, the right course of action would have been to halt football activities and focus on providing assistance to those affected by the floods.
Ancelotti highlighted the collective sentiment among players and coaches, noting that “everyone has been clear about it; nobody wanted to play.” He reflected on the emotional toll the recent events have taken, overshadowing the team’s previous disappointments, including a 4-0 loss to Barcelona and Vinicius Junior’s Ballon d’Or snub.
As he prepares to face Milan, Ancelotti described the upcoming match as bittersweet, stating, “It was supposed to be a special game for me, but there is no meaning in talking about football now.” He reiterated that the team’s sadness stems from the ongoing crisis in Spain, rather than the usual competitive concerns.
In conclusion, Ancelotti’s call for a pause in football activities underscores the importance of prioritizing community well-being over sporting events during times of crisis.
