Pep Guardiola has released a statement saying he did not intend to ‘make light’ of self-harm after his comments following Manchester City’s 3-3 draw against Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has clarified that he did not intend to ‘make light’ of the serious issue of self-harm in his post-match press conference following his side’s 3-3 draw with Feyenoord on Tuesday evening.
City were three goals to the good against the Eredivisie outfit but squandered their lead across the final 15 minutes of the game, leaving them down in 15th place in the Champions League league phase table.
The result follows an unprecedented five-game losing streak for the reigning English champions, in which they suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Sporting as well as a 4-0 loss to Tottenham.
Guardiola, with visible scratch marks on his face and head after another frustrating night, was asked by journalists how he sustained the minor injuries, to which he responded by making a scratching motion and said: “With my finger, my nail.”
He followed this up by stating “I want to harm myself”, and then left the conference while laughing.
Pep Guardiola Statement: Spaniard Didn’t Intend To ‘Make Light’ Of Self-Harm
In a statement released across his social media accounts, the Manchester City boss clarified his comments.
“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,” he wrote.
“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, 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
**@sa********.org
.”
City return to Premier League action on Sunday with a top-of-the-table clash against leaders Liverpool, where they’ll be looking to bring an end to a six-game winless run across all competitions.
