Pellegrini, on football after DANA: “I am not in charge of saying whether to suspend or not”

11/02/2024

Updated at 1:34 p.m.

Manuel Pellegrinicoach of Betisspoke to the media this Saturday in the press room before the match against Athletic that will be played tomorrow, Sunday in Bilbao. The Chilean coach reviewed the current situation of his team and was also asked for his opinion about the LaLiga matchday being held despite the terrible effects that the DANA in Spain, especially in the Valencian Community.

The green and white coach showed his sadness when observing how “unfortunately one watches the news and the number of deaths and victims increases more and more.” Regarding the suspension of meetings, he noted the following: «I am not in charge of saying whether to suspend or not to suspend. There are people in charge of that. All those in the Valencian Community were suspended, and I believe that more than suspending or not, it is important to help, be supportive, and send the greatest amount of help to people who are having a very bad time.».

Toni LatoValencian footballer for RCD Mallorca, played the opening match of the day with his team yesterday and declared after the match that “it is an inhuman thing that we are here today.” Pablo Maffeohis teammate, was blunt when pointing out that “it should not have been played.” Vicente Iborracaptain of Levante (whose match has been suspended), was even more blunt when pointing out that the decision to play football matches this weekend “in the end shows you that we are merchandise in the world of sport.” “When moments like this come and we can give a lesson in humanity, we don’t give it,” he added.