‘I have no desire to talk about football’ – Carlo Ancelotti feels football should have been stopped out of respect for Valencia flood victims

It’s been a delicate few days in Spain and in Spanish football following the DANA floods that ended the lives of over 200 people.

Many in the country feel that football should have been stopped in the face of such a large-scale humanitarian crisis. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is among those who think this.

As per COPE, in his press conference before his side takes on AC Milan, the Italian coach said ‘I want you to understand that talking about football at this time is a bit difficult.’

Tomorrow is a special match for me and I would like to talk a lot about it, but out of respect for everyone affected I will say as little as possible,’ Ancelotti continued.

It is a delicate balance for those working within Spanish football, nobody really wants to play out of respect for those who have been affected but outside of the affected areas they have been told to carry on as normal.

The whole football world has been quite clear on this point. Nobody wanted to play, it seemed like the right decision to me. But we are not the ones in charge and we have to respect the decisions made by those at the top.

Real Madrid take on AC Milan at the Bernabéu knowing that they need positive results to guarantee their progression from the League phase of the Champions League.

The last meeting between the two sides in competitive action was back in 2010 when the teams played out a 2-2 draw in the Champions League group stage.

GSFN | Ciaran Currie

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