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Guardiola's 'self harm' comment sparks concerns
Guardiola's 'self harm' comment sparks concerns
By: Nii Ammui Fio | 2 mins read
Pep Guardiola’s remarks about self-harm, following Manchester City’s dramatic 3-3 draw against Feyenoord in the Champions League, have raised concerns among fans and observers.
The City manager appeared at the Etihad Stadium with a cut on his nose and other scratches on his head, prompting questions about his well-being.
Asked about the injuries after the match, Guardiola explained: “Yes, it’s my finger here. With my nail.” He then added, “I wanted to harm myself,” before laughing.
The comments, coupled with City’s recent poor form, have sparked reactions on social media. One user on X (formerly Twitter) remarked, “Maybe Pep Guardiola at Manchester City is going through the Arsene Wenger phase at Arsenal or Jose Mourinho one at Chelsea. It never ends well.”
Another added, “That’s a pretty astonishing moment of self-harm that left Guardiola with scratches across his head and face tonight. Somebody needs to sit him down and ask if he’s alright.”
City’s current struggles mark the worst run of Guardiola’s illustrious managerial career, with the team having lost five consecutive matches across all competitions for the first time since 2006 before their collapse against Feyenoord. Previously, Guardiola had never lost more than three games in a row during his tenures at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, or City.
Looking ahead, the challenges continue as City face runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
Reflecting on the Feyenoord game, Guardiola admitted his side was “fragile.” Despite a brace from Erling Haaland and a goal from Ilkay Gundogan, defensive errors, including two from Josko Gvardiol, allowed Feyenoord’s Anis Hadj Moussa, Santiago Gimenez, and David Hancko to complete a remarkable comeback.
Audible boos greeted the final whistle at the Etihad, but Guardiola defended the supporters’ reaction.
“Last game against Tottenham, 0-4, they were there, the supporters, with applause,” he said. “They are disappointed, of course, we understand it. They have done it properly.
“People come here not to remember the success of the past. They come here today to see the team win and perform well, and we have to do so.
“They support us all the time. When we go away, our fans are amazing. Of course, they are completely right to express what they feel, absolutely.”
Guardiola also stood by Gvardiol despite the young defender’s costly mistakes.
“He is so young, he will learn. It will be a good experience,” Guardiola said. “The way he has played - he was the best player on the pitch, but I will be so wrong if I point specific things for our defeat.
“He is young and he will learn. He is a fantastic player, fantastic boy, and now more than ever must be helped.”
