November 27 – Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has released a statement after stating he “wanted to harm [himself]” following yet another Poor result versus Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
City surrendered a 3-0 lead to the Dutch side in just 12 minutes at the Etihad, as the club’s on-pitch woes stretch to six without a win.
Returning to the press conference room post-match, Pep Guardiola had gained a number of facial marks since being seen in the dugout minutes before, particularly a bleeding red scratch on the Spaniard’s nose.
Asked by a reporter about the cut, Guardiola explained: “Yeah, my finger, my nail.” He then performed a downward motion to show how he sustained the injury, before adding with a smile: “I want to harm myself.”
Later Guardiola has moved to clarify his remarks.
“I was caught off guard with a question at the end of a press conference last night about a scratch which had appeared on my face and explained that a sharp fingernail had accidentally caused this,” a statement posted on his X profile read.
“My answer was in no way intended to make light of the very serious issue of self-harm.
“I know that many people struggle with mental health issues every day, and I would like to take this moment to highlight one of the ways in people can seek help, by calling the Samaritans hotline on 116 123 or emailing gro.s1732739650natir1732739650amas@1732739650oj1732739650.”
Pep’s Manchester City travel to Anfield on Sunday as they face leaders Liverpool in the Premier League, who are helmed by former Feyenoord boss Arne Slot.
A loss to the Reds this weekend would cause the Premier League holders to fall 11 points adrift of the top spot – a situation that may be unrecoverable for Guardiola’s team. Though previous seasons have taught the lesson that if anyone can close that gap, he can.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1732739650labto1732739650ofdlr1732739650owedi1732739650sni@g1732739650niwe.1732739650yrrah1732739650