Pep Guardiola has addressed the cuts and scratches on his face that were visible during Manchester City’s Champions League match against Feyenoord, sparking curiosity among fans and media alike.
The City manager, seen with a cut on his nose and other marks on his head at the Etihad Stadium, explained the injuries after a dramatic 3-3 draw that saw his team surrender a 3-0 lead in the second half.
“Yes, it’s my finger here. With my nail,” Guardiola said when asked about the injuries. He then added, “I wanted to harm myself,” before laughing.
The result extended a troubling run for Manchester City, who had lost five consecutive matches across all competitions for the first time since 2006 before their capitulation against Feyenoord. It is the worst losing streak of Guardiola’s managerial career, one that has never previously seen him lose more than three games in a row at City, Bayern Munich, or Barcelona.
X users are concerned as pressure appears to mount on Guardiola. Users wrote, “Maybe Pep Guardiola at Manchester City is going through the Arsene Wenger phase at Arsenal or Jose Mourinho one at Chelsea. It never ends well.” “That’s a pretty astonishing moment of self harm that left Guardiola with scratches across his head and face tonight. Somebody needs to sit him down and ask if he’s alright.”
Pep Guardiola just said he wants to harm himself with a smile on his face the stress is actually getting to this guy pic.twitter.com/LzbO4Mp5NU
— JayxJay (@JJxUTD) November 26, 2024
Looking ahead, the challenges grow tougher as City prepare to face Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
Discussing the Feyenoord game, Guardiola admitted his side was “fragile,” as goals from Erling Haaland (brace) and Ilkay Gundogan were undone by a spirited Feyenoord comeback. Costly defensive errors from Josko Gvardiol allowed Anis Hadj Moussa, Santiago Gimenez, and David Hancko to lead the Dutch side’s resurgence, sending their traveling fans into raptures.
There were audible boos from some City fans at full-time, but Guardiola accepted the criticism.
“Last game against Tottenham, 0-4, they were there, the supporters, with applause,” he noted. “They are disappointed, of course, we understand it. They have done it properly.
“People come here not to remember the success of the past. They come here today to see the team win and perform well, and we have to do so.
“They support us all the time. When we go away, our fans are amazing. Of course, they are completely right to express what they feel, absolutely.”
Guardiola also defended Gvardiol, despite his mistakes.
“He is so young, he will learn. It will be a good experience,” Guardiola said. “The way he has played – he was the best player on the pitch, but I will be so wrong if I point specific things for our defeat.
“He is young and he will learn. He is a fantastic player, fantastic boy, and now more than ever must be helped.”
