Wolverhampton Wanderers coach Nuno Espírito Santo strongly criticized the decision of UEFA to make them play this Thursday the first leg of the round of 16 of the Europa League and assured that it is “absurd” because there are people who are “dying”.
“You play a soccer game, but look what is happening all over the world, with sick people, people who are dying …. “Nuno told 'BT Sport', before his team jumped onto the field to face Olympiacos in the second European competition.
“There are people who die and you are here playing a soccer game. It's stupid“added the Portuguese coach, whose team has played behind closed doors against the Greeks.”Playing without fans does not make sense, football serves to entertain and we play for them“he added.
“The current situation is above football, we have to know it, and everyone is concerned. Closing the stadium door is not the solution, all this is not normal“Nuno explained to Sky Sports in the pre-match against Olympiacos.”Why don't we stop? It is dangerous to continue with this attitude“he finished.
Solbakken: “I was surprised by UEFA's arrogance”
The Copenhagen coach also expressed his disagreement with the fact that the match was played normally: “It should never have been played. It has been a very, very difficult day for players due to the development of the coronavirus in Denmark. They have wives, children, parents and grandparents that they think about. It's amazing that they came out and played like tonight. It bears witness to a collective strength and support system across the team. “
He also charged against UEFA: “I'm amazed at UEFA's arrogance and was even more upset when I went down to the locker room after the game and heard that from tomorrow onwards all matches in Turkey would be played without fans.. There is no point in talking about the match today, but everyone has made a fantastic effort. In my opinion, this tournament fell today. “