Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti had little desire to talk extensively about football on Monday afternoon during a press conference ahead of the Champions League match against his former club AC Milan. The Italian coach has been affected by the impact of the natural disaster in Spain.
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The league match between Valencia and Real Madrid, originally scheduled for Saturday evening, was postponed due to the extraordinary and catastrophic rainfall that has hit the southeastern part of Spain.
The region of Valencia, particularly affected by the deluge, has witnessed unprecedented flooding that has tragically claimed the lives of over two hundred people. The scale of the disaster has left thousands displaced, with homes submerged and vital infrastructure severely damaged, straining local emergency response efforts and leaving a trail of destruction.
The flooding has led to widespread humanitarian concerns, with rescue operations ongoing as teams work tirelessly to locate and assist those trapped or missing. The government has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas, mobilizing resources and coordinating with local authorities to provide relief and support to the impacted communities. Social media has been flooded with images and videos showing entire streets turned into rivers, vehicles swept away by powerful currents, and residents being evacuated by boats and helicopters.
Sadness and Support from Ancelotti Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, visibly moved, expressed deep sympathy for those suffering due to the natural disaster. “This has been a week full of tragedy and sorrow. Our thoughts are deeply with the people in Valencia and all the other affected regions. I hope you understand that it is difficult for me to talk about football here right now. We are also part of this country. Out of respect for all those who are dealing with this tragedy, I want to keep this as brief and concise as possible,” Ancelotti said, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
The Italian coach’s remarks resonated with many, underscoring that even in the world of high-stakes football, humanity and empathy take precedence during moments of national crisis. He added, “We are also seeing all the images on TV and reading about the events. The destruction is heartbreaking, and the personal stories we hear are even more so. We are preparing for the match against AC Milan because we are professionals and, of course, we want to win, but football should be a celebration for everyone. You should be able to look forward to it with your family and friends and enjoy it. For now, football takes a back seat.”
Impact on the Football Community Ancelotti’s comments reflect the sentiment shared by many in the football community, where players and staff have personal ties to the affected areas. Clubs, players, and fans have shown solidarity through various initiatives, including fundraising efforts and public messages of support. Real Madrid, known for its outreach and humanitarian initiatives, is expected to contribute to the relief efforts, further demonstrating the club's commitment to aiding communities in distress.
Ballon d'Or Discussion Amid these somber reflections, Ancelotti also addressed questions surrounding the upcoming Champions League match against AC Milan. When asked if the match should still proceed given the circumstances, Ancelotti was non-committal: “We have no say in that, we have no power in this matter,” he clarified, leaving such decisions to the authorities.
Despite the solemnity of the press conference, Ancelotti did touch on the recent Ballon d'Or ceremony, which sparked conversations among football circles. Manchester City midfielder Rodri was awarded the Ballon d'Or, surpassing Real Madrid stars Vinícius Júnior, Dani Carvajal, and Jude Bellingham. Real Madrid's choice to boycott the ceremony in Paris was noted, though Ancelotti, who was not present, was awarded Best Coach of the Year. “I am happy with that, but the Ballon d'Or ceremony is now behind us. I do want to congratulate all the winners. The Champions League win on June 1st was already our Ballon d'Or,” Ancelotti stated, emphasizing the club’s collective achievements over individual accolades.
Solidarity Beyond Football The coach’s final words highlighted the broader importance of empathy and unity, reminding everyone that, in moments of crisis, the human connection surpasses the significance of any match or accolade. The tragedy in Valencia and surrounding areas serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the power of solidarity. As the football world prepares for another round of competition, Real Madrid approaches it with a sense of solemn respect, underscoring that, at times, the game itself is secondary to real-world events that impact lives far beyond the pitch.
