Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Ancelotti: Football should stop amid Spain floods

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Monday, 04 November 2024 06:15

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has said all football in Spain should have been put on hold after flash floods in Valencia left at least 217 people dead.

Madrid's LaLiga game at Valencia -- which was due to be played on Saturday -- was postponed, along with Villarreal's game with Rayo Vallecano, but the remaining eight top-flight matches in Spain went ahead.

LaLiga has been collaborating with the Red Cross to raise money for those affected by the flooding, after thousands of homes and businesses were damaged, and transport links disrupted, in one of the most severe natural disasters in recent Spanish history.

"It's been a week of tragedy, and we're sad," Ancelotti said in a news conference on Monday. "We're very close to Valencia and all the affected towns. Hopefully it can be resolved soon. Talking about football is difficult, and so is playing football. We are part of this country, and it affects us a lot."

Madrid, whose appearance saw them beaten 4-0 by Barcelona on Oct. 26, host AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday.

"Your head isn't in your work," Ancelotti said, when asked if it had been difficult to prepare. "We are going to prepare for the game, because we're professionals. That's what we have to do."

A number of players and coaches have suggested that no professional football should have taken place in Spain over the weekend, with Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone saying the decision to continue "makes no sense."

"Everyone has been clear," Ancelotti said. "Nobody wanted to play. But we are not the ones in charge. Those at the top make the decision ... Football is a party, and you can celebrate and have a party when you're OK.

"When people are not OK, you don't have to party. Football has to stop. Because it is the most important of the least important things."

"The power we have is equal to zero," Ancelotti added. "All the coaches wanted to stop the games. Some played, others did not. The decision-making power of the coach, in these cases, is equal to zero."

"The coach is absolutely right," full-back Lucas Vázquez said. "Our opinion is zero, our strength is zero. We have to be professional, and do what we are told."

Ancelotti denied that forward Vinícius Júnior has been affected by missing out on the 2024 men's Ballon d'Or, which was won by Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri last week, with Vinícius second.

"He's doing fine," Ancelotti said. "Fortunately we didn't play on Saturday and Vinicius has trained well, like everyone else ... Vinicius is sad, not because of the Ballon d'Or, but because he's seeing the situation in Valencia."

Read 5 times

Soccer

Balotelli booked within 5 minutes of Serie A return

Balotelli booked within 5 minutes of Serie A return

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMario Balotelli made his first Serie A appearance in four years whe...

How Orlando went from a laughingstock to record holders in the NWSL

How Orlando went from a laughingstock to record holders in the NWSL

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsImagine a cursed franchise or suffering fan base -- say, the Clevel...

Arturo Vidal being investigated for alleged assault

Arturo Vidal being investigated for alleged assault

EmailPrintChilean authorities said Monday they are investigating an alleged sexual assault case invo...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Cavs, lone unbeaten in East, reach 8-0 vs. Bucks

Cavs, lone unbeaten in East, reach 8-0 vs. Bucks

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCLEVELAND -- The win total is growing quickly, and so is the Cavali...

In return, Curry (ankle) scores 24 in Dubs' win

In return, Curry (ankle) scores 24 in Dubs' win

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsWASHINGTON -- Stephen Curry scored 24 points in 24 minutes in his r...

Baseball

Braves RP Jiménez out 8-12 months after surgery

Braves RP Jiménez out 8-12 months after surgery

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsATLANTA -- Braves reliever Joe Jiménez is expected to sit out much...

Peralta picks up option with Padres, Kim declines

Peralta picks up option with Padres, Kim declines

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSAN ANTONIO -- Left-hander Wandy Peralta exercised his $4.25 millio...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated