PEP GUARDIOLA has apologised after saying “I want to harm myself” while his face was covered in scratches.
The Manchester City boss appeared with red marks on his face and head after seeing his side concede three late goals to Feyenoord.
Speaking at his press conference after the match, Guardiola commented “I want to harm myself” when he was questioned on the scratches, adding: “My finger, here [makes a scratching motion]. My nail.”
But the Spaniard has now released a statement saying he did not intend to make light of self-harming with his words.
Guardiola said: “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 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.”
Guardiola was left frustrated last night after Man City were held to a 3-3 draw by Feyenoord in the Champions League.
City were desperate for a win after losing their previous five matches in all competitions.
And an Erling Haaland double looked to have helped City on their way to victory, with the 2023 winners 3-0 up with 15 minutes remaining.
But Feyenoord launched a stunning comeback that saw them level things up in the 90th minute.
It means City remain without a win in six games.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.
The following are free to contact and confidential:
Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@mind.org.uk or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).
YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.
Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).
Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales.
And qualifying for the Champions League knockout stage has become even more difficult.
City have won just two of their five group games, leaving them needing to play a qualifier to reach the next round.
They still have trips to Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain to navigate.
Commenting on City’s struggles, Guardiola said: “I don’t know if it is a mental thing.
“The game was fine at 3-0, playing good, but then we concede a lot of goals because we were not stable. We gave them the first and then the other one, that is why it was difficult.
“The situation is what it is. We played a good game but at that level we can’t give them away.”
