Pep Guardiola has apologised for comments made about wanting to ‘hurt himself’ following Manchester City’s 3-3 draw with Feyenoord on Tuesday night.
The Spaniard’s side squandered a 3-0 lead as their torrid run of form continued with a disappointing draw at the Etihad Stadium.
After the fixture, Guardiola could be seen with a cut on his nose.
When quizzed about it, he said he wanted to ‘harm myself’ and, when asked how he got the cut, he added: “My finger, here [makes a scratching motion]. My nail.”
Pep Guardiola has apologised for comments made about wanting to ‘hurt himself’ following Manchester City’s 3-3 draw with Feyenoord on Tuesday night
PA
Some fans have criticised Guardiola’s choice of words, accusing the City boss of lacking sensitivity when it comes to helf harm.
And the Spaniard has now taken to social media to issue a clarification and apologise for any offence inadvertantly caused.
“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,” he said.
“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 [email protected].”
Problems are mounting for Guardiola at City.
His side had been looking likely to cruise to victory after a brace from Erling Haaland and goal from Ilkay Gundogan had them cruising.
Yet Feyenoord took full advantage of their issues at the back and scored three goals in the final 14 minutes of the match to earn a draw.
City have now failed to win their last six games across all competitions.
And Guardiola has admitted he’s struggling to comprehend their current woes as he looks to turn the situation around.
“I don’t know if it is a mental thing,” he added.
“The game was fine at 3-0, playing good, but then we concede a lot of goals because we were not stable. We gave them the first and then the other one, that is why it was difficult.
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Man City boss Pep Guardiola was seen sporting a cut to his face following Tuesday night’s pulsating 3-3 Champions League draw with FeyenoordAMAZON
“The situation is what it is. We played a good game but at that level we can’t give them away.”
To make matters worse for City, their next match is against Liverpool on Sunday.
The Reds are currently eight points clear of their rivals in the race for the Premier League title.
And morale at Liverpool could yet rise higher if they’re able to beat Real Madrid in their own Champions League clash tonight.
Man City threw away a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 with Feyenoord in Tuesday night’s Champions League clashPA
Guardiola is, however, unsure about changing things up too much as that blockbuster showdown creeps closer.
“What should I change?” he asked. “We are not going to change our beliefs. We are big believers in the process and the fundamentals that we have to do.
“In this moment we have to go more direct to our principles. Don’t change much – less than ever.”