Pep Guardiola has offered an explanation for the remarks he made following Manchester City’s 3-3 tie with Feyenoord on Tuesday night.
The 53-year-old manager appeared visibly upset as his team let slip a three-goal advantage in just 15 minutes, extending their troubling run of form.
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The draw left City in 15th place within the 36-team Champions League group stage, having already dropped points earlier this season against Inter Milan and Sporting. ..Continue Reading
The Premier League titleholders are enduring a tough stretch, failing to secure a win in their last six matches, including five losses.
Speaking after the match, Guardiola, who had noticeable scratches on his head and nose, took the opportunity during the post-game press conference to explain how he sustained the injuries.
“I cut it with my finger, my nail,” explained the City boss.
He then continued saying he wanted to “hurt himself”, before laughing.
Now, he has taken to X to address those comments, He said: “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,” read a post to his official X account.
“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 jo@samaritans.org.”
Guardiola was less than pleased with his team’s lacklustre performance but stressed how his players were “desperate” to win against Sporting.
“They feel it, they are desperate to win, that’s why they play the way they play,” the City boss said.
“They played really good in many aspects. How many chances we conceded but again three goals. We made 26 shots against Spurs and lost 4-0.
“We are a team that has conceded so few goals in eight or nine years. We are always so stable and able to defend well and now it’s not happening.
“The game was 3-0 and even more, I don’t remember much – maybe one shot. We cannot close the games and every time they arrive they score.”
The 53-year-old will no doubt already be planning for his team’s trip to Anfield, where they will face League leaders Liverpool on Sunday.
Man City currently trail Arne Slot’s side by eight points and will hoping to reduce the gap this weekend.
