Football fans have shared their concerns after Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola joked that he wanted to “hurt himself” after his team blew a 3-0 lead to draw with Feyenoord in the Champions League .
Guardiola had seen his team collapse from a comfortable position in the final minutes on Tuesday night, and the draw extended Manchester City’s run to six games without a win in all competitions.
At the post-match press conference, the Manchester City manager was questioned about a cut on his nose, while scratches were also visible on his head.
“Yes, it’s from the fingernail,” said Guardiola. ‘I cut myself with my nail (during the game).
Guardiola then added, “I want to hurt myself,” before smiling at reporters and leaving at the end of his press conference.
Although Guardiola’s comment seemed like a joke, concern was expressed on social media about the Manchester City coach’s statement.
Pep Guardiola was left with several cuts and marks after Manchester City’s draw with Feyenoord
The City manager looked frustrated on the bench after his team squandered a three-goal lead.
Guardiola later joked that he wanted to hurt himself after watching his team capitulate.
Broadcaster Nicky Crosby wrote: “In what other industry would this be considered okay?” People would offer support and professional help. Why should football be different?
“It’s hard to watch.”
Fans also suggested that Guardiola’s comments should be taken seriously, even though his comment appears to be a joke.
“I really hope Pep Guardiola has good connections and people to help him,” wrote one fan.
‘Mental health is no joke and he is clearly going through a difficult time. He seemed very uncomfortable and quickly walked away after saying he wanted to hurt himself.’
Others echoed hopes that Guardiola has a strong support network at Manchester City and insisted his comment should be viewed seriously.
“When I saw it, I didn’t take it easy and no one should,” another wrote. “You need to have a good support system around you.”
Manchester City’s draw with Feyenoord ended a five-match losing streak, the worst streak of Guardiola’s coaching career.
Broadcaster Nicky Crosby suggested Guardiola’s comment at the press conference was “difficult to watch”.
Fans expressed hope that Guardiola has a strong support network and that his comment will be taken seriously.
Guardiola lamented his team’s inability to win games after Feyenoord scored three goals in 14 second-half minutes to shock City.
“We are not capable of winning games,” admitted Guardiola. ‘As a team, we always found a way over the years. Right now, in another situation, nothing happens.”
Man City will go into Sunday’s clash against Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield without a win in more than a month.
“It wasn’t necessary to tell them anything, they know perfectly well,” Guardiola said when asked what he told his players.
‘Three episodes and they (Feyenoord) didn’t allow us to win. It is what it is and very difficult to swallow. It will be a tough season for us and we have to accept it. We have to lift them up (for Anfield). I have to lift my players up. It’s my job.’
Guardiola agreed last week to extend his contract with Manchester City until 2027, which would take him more than a decade in charge.
The Catalan claimed to have a “special feeling” and the support of key figures at the club helped convince him to stay at Manchester City, where he has led the team to six Premier League titles.
City feared the 53-year-old would be let go and worked hard to convince him to renew once again, with his relationship with president Khaldoon Al Mubarak a contributing factor to the decision.
City’s winless streak has now extended to six games as they head to title rivals Liverpool.
Guardiola signed a new contract with Manchester City last week, but is experiencing one of his most difficult moments as a coach.
“Since the beginning of the season I have been thinking a lot,” Guardiola said. ‘I thought (this season) should be the last.
‘But with the problems we had in the last month, I felt now is not the time to leave. It would have disappointed the club.
‘I felt like I couldn’t leave now. It’s that simple. Maybe the four defeats were the reason and I felt like I couldn’t leave. “I felt like the club still wanted me and the fact that we’re still together, so I signed.”
The contract extension came before Manchester City’s heavy 4-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday.
The result left Manchester City second in the Premier League, but Guardiola’s team is eight points behind leaders Liverpool.