Football fans have shared their concerns after Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola joked he wanted to ‘harm himself’ after his side blew a 3-0 lead to draw with Feyenoord in the Champions League.
Guardiola had seen his side collapse from a comfortable position in the closing stages on Tuesday night, with the draw extending Man City’s run to six matches without a win in all competitions.
The Man City boss was questioned in his post-match press conference about a cut on his nose, while scratches were also visible on his head.
‘Yes, it’s from my nail on my finger,’ Guardiola said. ‘I cut myself with my fingernail (during the game).
Guardiola then added ‘I want to harm myself’, before smiling to reporters and leaving at the conclusion of his press conference.
Despite Guardiola’s comment appearing to be a joke, concerns were expressed on social media at the Man City manager’s statement.
Pep Guardiola was left with a number of cuts and marks after Man City’s draw with Feyenoord
The City boss was seen frustrated in the dugout after his side threw away a three-goal lead
Guardiola later joked that he wanted to harm himself after watching his side’s capitulation
Broadcaster Nicky Crosby wrote ‘In what other industry would this be considered ok? People would offer support and professional help. Why should football be any different?!
‘It’s tough to watch.’
Fans also suggested Guardiola’s comments should be taken seriously, despite his comment appearing to be in jest.
‘I seriously hope Pep Guardiola has good connections and people helping him out,’ one fan wrote.
‘Mental health is no joke and he’s clearly going through a rough time. He seemed so awkward and rushed away pretty quickly after saying he wants to harm himself.’
Others echoed the hopes that Guardiola has a strong support network at Man City and insisted his comment should be viewed in a serious way.
‘When I saw it, I didn’t take it lying down and no-one should,’ another wrote. ‘He needs to have a good support system around him’.
Man City’s draw with Feyenoord ended a run of five consecutive defeats, the worst run of Guardiola’s managerial career.
Broadcaster Nicky Crosby suggested Guardiola’s press conference comment was ‘tough to watch’
Fans expressed hope Guardiola has a strong support network and that his comment be viewed seriously
Guardiola bemoaned his team’s inability to win games after Feyenoord scored three goals in 14 second-half minutes to stun City.
‘We are not able to win games, admitted Guardiola. ‘As a team, always we find 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 over a month.
‘It was not necessary to say anything to them – they know it perfectly,’ said Guardiola, when asked what he said to his players.
‘Three episodes and they (Feyenoord) didn’t allow us to win. It is what it is and so difficult to swallow. It will be a tough season for us and we have to accept it. We have to lift them (for Anfield). I have to lift my players. It is my job.’
Guardiola last week agreed to extend his contract at Man City until 2027, which would take him to over a decade in charge.
The Catalan claimed a ‘special feeling’ and the support of key figures at the club had helped convince him to stay at Man City, where he has led the team to six Premier League titles.
City had feared the 53-year-old was bidding farewell and have worked hard to convince him into renewing once more, with his relationship with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak a contributing factor in the decision.
City’s winless run has now extended to six games as they now head to title rivals Liverpool
Guardiola signed a new contract at Man City last week, but is experiencing one of his toughest moments as a manager
‘Since the beginning of the season I’ve been thinking a lot,’ Guardiola said. ‘I thought that (this season) should be the last one.
‘But with the problems we had in the last month, I felt that now is not the time to leave. I would have let the club down.
‘I felt that I could not leave now. Simple as that. Maybe the four defeats was the reason why and I felt that I cannot leave. I felt the club still wanted me and the fact we’re still together so I signed.’
The contract extension came ahead of Man City’s heavy 4-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday.
The result left Man City second in the Premier League, but Guardiola’s side are eight points behind leaders Liverpool.