Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola clarifies comments after self-harm remark

LONDON – Pep Guardiola insisted on Nov 27 that he did not mean to make light of issues of self-harm, after his comments about a cut on his nose following Manchester City’s Champions League collapse against Feyenoord.

The City boss was spotted with the scratch

after the 3-3 draw at the Etihad

on Nov 26, in which they blew a 3-0 lead, and was asked about it during his post-match press conference.

The frustrated Spaniard replied he had caused it with a fingernail, adding apparently as a joke: “I want to harm myself.”

City went into the game on the back of five straight defeats in all competitions.

Guardiola took to social media to clarify his response on Nov 27, saying: “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.

“My answer was in no way intended to make light of the very serious issue of self-harm.

“I know many people struggle with mental health issues every day, and I would like to take this moment to highlight one of the ways people can seek help, by calling the Samaritans hotline on 116-123 or e-mailing

jo@samaritans.org

.”

City next face English Premier League leaders Liverpool on Dec 1 and midfielder Ilkay Gundogan admits that defeat could end the team’s title challenge as they scramble to end their poor run of form.

Second-placed City have won the past four Premier League titles but are already eight points behind Arne Slot’s Reds, following three straight defeats in the English top flight. Guardiola had conceded City’s title defence would realistically be over should they lose at Anfield.

Gundogan agreed with his manager’s assessment following the draw with Feyenoord.

“To stay in the title race, probably yes, (it’s a game City can’t afford to lose), because 11 points would be a huge gap,” said the midfield veteran.

“Anfield is always tough. It’s going to be as tough as possible to be but that sums up the situation right now. We have to go through this season the toughest way possible.” AFP, REUTERS