Pep Guardiola has issued a new statement clarifying the cuts on his face following a troubling post-match interview after Manchester City’s game.
Pep Guardiola has clarified the comments he made following Manchester City’s 3-3 draw with Feyenoord on Tuesday evening.
The 53-year-old was visibly frustrated as his team squandered a three-goal lead within 15 minutes, extending their poor run of form. The result placed City 15th in the 36-team Champions League group stage, having already dropped points to Inter Milan and Sporting this season.
City, the reigning Premier League champions, are winless in their last six games, including five losses. After the game, Guardiola appeared with scratches on his head and nose, which he explained during his post-match press conference.
“I cut it with my finger, my nail,” he said, later joking that he wanted to “hurt himself” before laughing.
The comments sparked concern, prompting Guardiola to address the matter on X.
“A question at the end of last night’s press conference caught me off guard,” Guardiola posted on his official account. “I explained that a sharp fingernail had caused a scratch on my face. My response was in no way meant to trivialize the serious issue of self-harm.
“I am aware many people struggle with mental health challenges every day, and I want to use this moment to highlight resources available for support.
Despite his disappointment with the team’s recent performances, Guardiola emphasized that his players remain determined to win.
“They feel it; they are desperate to win,” he said. “They played really well in many aspects. We made 26 shots against Spurs and lost 4-0.
“We’ve been a team that concedes very few goals for eight or nine years. We are always stable and defend well, but now it’s not happening. At 3-0, I don’t remember much – maybe one shot. We cannot close games, and every time they attack, they score.”
Guardiola is now preparing for City’s next challenge: a trip to Anfield on Sunday to face Premier League leaders Liverpool. City currently trail Arne Slot’s side by eight points and will be looking to close th
e gap this weekend.
