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Pep Guardiola made headlines after Manchester City’s Champions League draw with Feyenoord when he was asked about a mark on his nose after cutting a frustrated figure during the game
Pep Guardiola is still sporting the scars of Manchester City’s woeful form ahead of their Premier League clash with Liverpool.
The Catalan coach, despite his side sitting second in the Premier League, has presided over the worst month of his career in November. After five consecutive defeats, City looked to have kicked back into fine form when they led Feyenoord by three goals to nil on Tuesday but Guardiola could only watch on in frustration, head in hands, as his team allowed their Dutch opponents to come back and earn a draw in the final 15 minutes.
The 53-year-old City boss was spotted walking through Manchester on Thursday afternoon and his nose still besmirched by a mark that made headlines earlier in the week. Guardiola could be seen scratching his head during the game with Feyenoord, while the gash on his nose was present at the Etihad Stadium.
Asked about the injury in the press conference, Guardiola responded: “My finger, here [points to nose]. My nail. I want to harm myself.”
The throwaway comment saw equal part concern and backlash, sparking Guardiola to release a statement.
“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 said.
“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 which people can seek help, by calling the Samaritans hotline on 116 123 or emailing [email protected].”
City did not taste defeat until their final match of October when Tottenham earned a Carabao Cup win over the Premier League champions. Losses to Bournemouth, Sporting CP and Brighton followed before a chastening 4-0 thrashing by Spurs and draw with Feyenoord.
Guardiola’s task to return City to form will not be made easy when they make the trip to Anfield on Sunday. Liverpool lead the title race by eight points after just 12 matches and have started impressively under new boss Arne Slot.
Asked if a Liverpool victory in on Sunday could prove decisive in the title race, Guardiola replied: “Yes. In terms of Liverpool winning, winning, winning, it’s true. I don’t know what is going to happen, but the reality is here and we have to win games.
“People are saying it can’t get worse – but it can get worse. The exceptional things we have done over the last eight years are not eternal. I said how difficult it was to do the things we have done – and now people might believe me.”
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