New Delhi: Carlo Ancelotti voiced his frustration and empathy as he addressed the media ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League match against AC Milan. His focus was less on football and more on the tragedy that hit Valencia, where devastating floods have left a trail of destruction and loss. Ancelotti, known for his straightforward approach, firmly stated that football should not go on in times of tragedy. However, he emphasised that decisions about postponing matches lie with authorities, not with coaches or players.
Ancelotti described the week as deeply emotional, mentioning that both he and his team struggled to concentrate on their upcoming game. With lives lost and communities shattered, he found it inappropriate to discuss or focus on football. Yet, as professionals, he and his players would prepare for the game, knowing that the decision to play wasn’t theirs to make.
“Football has to stop,” he expressed, conveying his belief that sports should respect the nation’s grief and only resume when the situation is stable. Despite wanting to halt games out of respect, Ancelotti felt powerless, as the final call came from those higher up.
⚪️⚠️ Ancelotti: “Football is something happy, you can’t celebrate when people are not fine”.
“It’s nonsense. No one wanted to play. But we aren’t those who decide. Football should have stopped last weekend”. pic.twitter.com/xPj02CesQf
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 4, 2024
The Real Madrid manager also pointed out how widespread the frustration is. Other coaches, such as Diego Simeone and Barcelona’s Hansi Flick, shared similar sentiments, questioning the decision to continue with matches despite the floods. Ancelotti reflected on how the role of sport becomes secondary during such moments, noting that football, while important, pales in comparison to human life and well-being.
In his message, Ancelotti conveyed solidarity with the Valencian people, acknowledging their disappointment and anger over the handling of the disaster. The lack of decision-making power left many feeling abandoned, he noted, with even prominent figures in Spain facing backlash from affected communities.
For Ancelotti, this match against AC Milan, once a fixture he would have anticipated with nostalgia, now feels hollow. Real Madrid’s attention, like his own, has shifted to the ongoing struggle in Spain, leaving the excitement for football muted. His remarks made it clear: while the game will go on, the sentiments on the pitch will be subdued, as the team mourns with those affected by the tragedy.
