Eastern boss and Tai Po resident Roberto Losada praying for victims of deadly fire
Head coach says ACL2 defeat trivial in context of people losing their lives, expects weekend fixtures to be cancelled
The Eastern head coach, Roberto Losada, said he was praying for the victims of the deadly fire in his home district of Tai Po.
Losada’s team had to play an AFC Champions League Two game against Gamba Osaka on Thursday, 24 hours after the blaze began, but he said he expected this weekend’s local league fixtures to be cancelled.
The 49-year-old did not think events in Tai Po, where at least 65 people have lost their lives, had affected Eastern during their 5-0 loss at Mong Kok Stadium, but he said “everybody has in their mind what is going on there”.
“I live in Tai Po, my neighbours are there,” Losada said. “Once we were in the match, we tried to do our best, but what’s happening affects everybody: me, the team and Hong Kong. It’s a tragedy.
“We lost 5-0, but it’s the last thing we can think about. There are people losing their lives. We are praying for all those families who are suffering. It’s hard.”
Losada was accordingly phlegmatic over the twisted ankle that forced Marcos Gondra off after half-time to add to his mounting injury list.