Confined in Abu Dhabi after bombings: Monaco U18s blocked at ANGT, their coach Mickaël Pivaud tells us
Monaco‘s U18 team never imagined experiencing such a weekend. Present in Abu Dhabi for the ANGT, the EuroLeague U18 tournament, the young Monaco players saw their competition brutally interrupted after bombings in the region. With the airport closed until at least Tuesday at 2 PM, they are forced to remain confined to their hotel, awaiting clearance to return to France.
Interviewed this Sunday afternoon from his hotel, coach Mickaël Pivaud recounts these surreal and significant hours.
A game interrupted during bombing
From a basketball standpoint, everything had started well for Monaco’s U18s. “It’s frustrating because, for once, they played the game of their lives (to beat Dubai on Friday),” one staff member said. “We were really happy — it made sense, it was symbolic.”
Matched up with NextGen Abu Dhabi and an Aris Thessaloniki team capable of going toe-to-toe with Real Madrid, the Roca Team’s young group had a real shot at a strong finish. “We got off to a great start, we were solid. We thought we could finish second in the group. It would’ve been a great result.”
Then, during the game against the Greeks, everything shifted. “They stopped us at the end of the second quarter, and we didn’t understand. Suddenly it was: it’s over, go home — there are bombings. Get to the locker room, stay away from the windows.”
Inside the arena, a loud blast echoed. “You could hear the bombings. It was extremely loud. There was a brief moment of panic.”
A missile intercepted before their eyes
After the initial stoppage, organizers briefly considered resuming play. Both teams even went through another 40-minute warm-up, and the game restarted for a short stretch before being halted again. “Quick, quick — you have to leave. The police are coming to escort you,” recalled the former HTV coach.
On the way out of the arena, the scene left a lasting impression on the Monaco staff.
« As I open the door, the missile explodes in front of me. It’s neutralized by an American missile. I have the kids behind me and it explodes in the air. I go ‘wow’. That’s when we start having not-so-great feelings. »
The delegation then made its way back to the bus under escort, heading straight to the hotel. Since then, they haven’t stepped outside.
Confined but calm at the hotel
Since then, Monaco’s U18 group has been operating based on official updates. All flights are canceled until at least Tuesday at 2 p.m., and passports have been collected by organizers, who are exploring a charter option if airspace reopens.
The delegation includes seven staff members, around ten players, and three parents on site. Other French nationals are also in Abu Dhabi, including three Next Gen Team players and Žalgiris Kaunas psychologist Salika Peucelle, with whom Mickaël Pivaud has been in regular contact.
Given the circumstances, the overall message remains reassuring.
« We spend our time communicating with families saying no stress, everything’s fine. What you see on TV, you need to divide by four. There’s no danger. »
The players are being kept busy to limit anxiety — team meals, regular discussions. « We weren’t going to leave them eight hours in their rooms. »
Even when missile interceptions were visible from the rooftop pool — which prompted an immediate return to their rooms — the group has remained composed.
« There was a brief moment of panic when we left. But since then, the word is serenity. »
Return still uncertain
n the short term, the priority is clear: get home safely. The EuroLeague and local authorities remain the only official points of contact, with regular updates and families being informed every two hours.
From a basketball standpoint, everything else is secondary. A youth game against Cholet is scheduled for Saturday, but it will all depend on the return timeline and decisions still to come.
For now, Monaco’s U18s remain in Abu Dhabi — away from the court, but sticking together as they navigate a situation far bigger than basketball.
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