New Delhi: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola found himself in hot waters after his side failed to win their sixth consecutive game. However, it didn’t have anything to do with the on-field performances of his team but rather about a comment the Catalonian had made in the post match interview. The manager appeared for the interview with various scratches on his face and when asked about them, he commented that he likes to harm himself with a smile on his face.
This comment landed him in hot waters and Pep has now issued a statement clarifying a comment he made during a post-match press conference following his team’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Feyenoord in the Champions League. Just a few hours after the game, Pep took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and conveyed his feelings after facing some backlash over his remarks.
The reigning Champions League holders seemed on course for a comfortable victory, leading 3-0 until a late defensive collapse allowed Feyenoord to score three goals after the 75th minute, forcing a draw. The result ended City’s five-game losing streak across all competitions but extended their winless run to six matches. Their last victory came on 26 October, a narrow 1-0 win over Southampton. Despite the disappointing result, Manchester City remain second in the Premier League, eight points behind leaders Liverpool, whom they face this Sunday at Anfield.
Pep Guardiola’s Self-Harm Remark Raised Eyebrows
‘I want to harm myself’ 👀 Pep asked about the cuts on his nose and head pic.twitter.com/VQVCQ9brzy
— BeanymanSports (@BeanymanSports) November 26, 2024
During the post-match press conference, Guardiola faced questions not just about his team’s performance but also about the scratches on his face. When asked about the mark on his nose, he responded by mimicking a downward scratching motion and said, “Yeah, my finger. Here,” before adding, “My nail.” What followed was a comment that caught many off guard: “I want to harm myself,” he said with a smile before leaving the room.
Although the remark was seemingly made in jest, it drew significant attention and concern from fans and media alike. Within hours, Guardiola took to social media to clarify his intentions. In a statement posted on his official X and Instagram accounts, the 53-year-old explained that his response was meant to be lighthearted but acknowledged that it was inappropriate.
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. (1/3)
— PepTeam (@PepTeam) November 27, 2024
He explained that the question about the scratches caught him off-guard and he just said that statement in a jovial and light hearted manner. He explained that a sharp fingernail had accidentally caused this and also clarified that he didn’t intend to make fun of such a serious issue. “My answer was in no way intended to make light of the very serious issue of self-harm.” These were his exact words which he used across his social media platforms.
Guardiola further emphasized his sensitivity to mental health issues, acknowledging that many people face such struggles daily. He used the opportunity to highlight the work of Samaritans, a charity dedicated to offering support for those dealing with mental health challenges, encouraging people to seek help if needed.
The club now shifts its attention to a crucial Premier League match against Liverpool, where a win could reignite their title hopes. Guardiola will be eager to steer the narrative back to football, focusing on overcoming their current slump and closing the gap at the top of the table.
Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola says he didn’t intend to make light of self-harm when speaking after his side’s 3-3 draw with Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
