‘Didn’t intend to make light of serious issue’: Pep Guardiola issues clarification on self-harm comment

“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…,” he said. The post also had details of helpline numbers and email addresses for people who needed help.

Towards the end of the conference, Guardiola, who had a mark on his nose and had reddish bruising on his head was asked about his appearance by a reporter. Guardiola at the time said that he wanted to ‘harm himself’, before laughing and walking out of the conference.

Manchester City have experienced one of their worst runs of forms since the Spaniard took over as manager. The Citizens had lost five games in a row prior to this Champions League match and were looking to arrest the slide. Against Feyenoord, the English champions were coasting and up by three goals. And then inexplicably crumbled.

Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan later said, “Sometimes you will struggle in some games, no matter who the opponent is. Even when you play at home against a side you should dominate, you will concede chances because every team is good enough right now to create something. But then 75 minutes, 3-0 up and controlling the game, then ugh, giving it away so easily. They also were ruthless. It is probably more us to blame but they just punished us in every situation they got, scoring three goals. Obviously it is very tough to take.”