Pep Guardiola issues statement on self harm comments

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has released a statement to explain himself after making a slightly light-hearted comment about the issue of self-harm after last night’s game against Feyenoord.

Man City are on an absolutely awful run of form at the moment, with Guardiola’s side following up their run of five consecutive defeats with a spectacular collapse from 3-0 up against Feyenoord in the Champions League last night.

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Following the 3-3 draw at the Etihad Stadium, City boss Guardiola appeared in his post-match press conference with scratch marks on his face, and he joked about wanting to hurt himself when quizzed about what had happened to him.

See below as Guardiola has now posted on X to address the very serious issue of self-harm, which he says he did not intend to make light of in any way…

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

I know that many people struggle with mental health issues every day, and I would like to take this moment to highlight one of the ways in people can seek help, by calling the Samaritans hotline on 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org (3/3)

— PepTeam (@PepTeam) November 27, 2024

Guardiola clearly had a difficult time as City suffered another poor result, but of course that cannot excuse making jokes about people suffering because of poor mental health.

As the Spanish tactician notes, please contact the Samaritans if you are in need of help yourself.

Can Pep Guardiola turn things around for Manchester City?

City have another difficult game coming up this weekend as they take on in-form Liverpool away from home, so it perhaps looks likely that their winless run is going to extend to seven games.

Still, we also know that Guardiola is one of the very best managers in football history, so it would be foolish to write him off, even after such a spectacular collapse in form.

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MCFC have struggled badly without the injured Rodri, while there have also been some other notable absentees throughout the season, such as Kevin De Bruyne and Mateo Kovacic.

City could surely still turn things around with a bit more luck with injuries, or some smart signings in the upcoming January transfer window.