Ancelotti and Real Madrid Focus on Flood Victims Ahead of Champions League Clash
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed his reluctance to discuss football amid the devastating floods in Spain's Valencia region, where at least 217 people have lost their lives, and many more remain unaccounted for. The tragedy, which has left entire communities grieving and disrupted daily life, has deeply impacted Ancelotti and the Real Madrid team ahead of their Champions League match against AC Milan. The Italian coach, who has a long history with Milan as both a player and coach, emphasized that football felt secondary under such dire circumstances.
Addressing the media, Ancelotti shared his wish that the disaster could be swiftly resolved, acknowledging the pain and loss suffered by countless families. “We are part of this country, and all this affects us,” he said, adding, “I don’t feel like talking about football.” With Madrid’s LaLiga match against Valencia already postponed over the weekend, Ancelotti also voiced his view that all football in Spain should have been halted in solidarity with the affected region. He noted, “There are many ways to help... football should have stopped, and after that football can and should help.”
Real Madrid defender Lucas Vazquez echoed his coach’s sentiments, sending his support to those impacted by the flooding. Vazquez, too, voiced that playing football felt challenging under these conditions, yet acknowledged their duty to perform as professionals. “What we have to do is be professional, and we have to play when we don’t want to,” he remarked, underlining the team’s commitment to respecting their responsibilities while standing in solidarity with the victims.
The tragic flooding has also seen an outpouring of support from other Spanish teams and players. Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone and several LaLiga players expressed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of standing with those suffering in Valencia. Real Madrid, along with Barcelona and other clubs, have committed to providing financial and logistical support to aid relief efforts.
As Ancelotti’s Real Madrid prepare to face AC Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu, the match takes on a somber tone. Ancelotti, a four-time Champions League winner with Milan, acknowledged the emotional weight of the occasion but reiterated his resolve to keep the focus on the ongoing crisis. Madrid’s last match, a 4-0 defeat to Barcelona, now seems inconsequential in light of the national tragedy unfolding.
With UEFA planning a minute’s silence before all European matches this week in tribute to the flood victims, football fans around the world will join Real Madrid and Ancelotti in standing with Spain. This moment highlights the unifying power of sport and its ability to bring communities together, particularly in times of adversity.
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