Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he did not intend to “make light” of self-harm when answering a question about scratches on his face.
City blew a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 with Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday and Guardiola was later seen with several scratches on his forehead during his post-match interview with broadcaster Amazon Prime.
When asked by journalists during his press conference about a mark on his nose, Guardiola made a scratching gesture and said: “With the finger, the nail.”
The 53-year-old then said: “I want to hurt myself,” before laughing and leaving the press conference.
“Last night, at the end of a press conference, they surprised me with a question about a scratch that had appeared on my face and I explained that a sharp nail had accidentally caused it,” Guardiola said in a statement published on his official account. on X and Instagram.
“My response was in no way intended to downplay the serious problem of self-harm.”
The statement added that Guardiola is aware that “many people struggle with mental health issues every day” and references the Samaritans charity to “highlight one of the ways people can seek help.”
The draw against Feyenoord at the Etihad Stadium ended City’s five-match losing streak.
However, the club has not won since beating Southampton 1-0 on October 26.
Guardiola’s side are 15th in the 36-team Champions League table and second in the Premier League, eight points behind leaders Liverpool, whom they face at Anfield on Sunday.
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