Ancelotti Asks All Matches In Spain To Stop

JAKARTA - Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said all football matches in Spain should have been postponed after flash floods in Valencia province killed some 200 people.

Los Blancos' match in Valencia in the 12th week of La Liga 2024/2025 which was supposed to be played on Saturday, November 2, 2024, was postponed to the Villarreal vs Rayo Vallecano match.

However, the remaining eight league games in Spain will still be held. According to Ancelotti, the match should also be postponed.

"This is a week full of tragedy and we are saddened. We are very close to Valencia and all the cities affected."

"Hopefully this problem can be resolved soon. Talking about football is difficult, as well as playing football."

"We are part of this country and this issue greatly affects us," Ancelotti said at a press conference on Monday, November 4, 2024, local time.

"Everyone is clear. Nobody wants to play. However, we are not responsible."

"Those above (La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation) made the decision."

"Football is a party and you can celebrate and party when you feel fine," said the Italian coach again at ESPN.

Not only Ancelotti, a number of players and coaches have suggested that no professional football matches be held in Spain over the weekend.

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone said the decision to continue the match was unreasonable.

"Your mind is not focused on your job. When people don't feel fine, you don't have to party."

"Football must be stopped because it is the most important thing," said Ancelotti.

The problem is, the 65-year-old manager further said that coaches and players do not have the power to decide on matches.

So, the impression is that the clubs that are still competing are not solider against the teams affected by the disaster.

As a result, like it or not, they continue to be prepared to look at the following matches.

"The strength we have is equal to zero. All coaches want to stop the game. Some play, others don't. The strength of the coach's decision-making, in this case, is equal to zero."

"We are preparing for the match because we are professionals. That's what we have to do," said Ancelotti.

"The coach is right. Our opinion is zero, our strength is zero. We have to be professional and do what we are ordered," said full-back Lucas Vazquez, striking Ancelotti.

La Liga has teamed up with the Red Cross to raise money for those affected by the flood.

Thousands of houses and business facilities were damaged. Then, the transportation network was disrupted due to one of the most severe natural disasters in Spanish history recently.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid must prepare to face the Champions League to host AC Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, early morning WIB.

The match will be Los Blancos' first match after losing to El Clasico 0-4 against Barcelona on October 26, 2024. You see, Real Madrid's match against on weekends was postponed when it was scheduled to play Valencia.