Pep Guardiola issues statement after Man City boss' controversial 'self harm' comment

Pep Guardiola has issued a statement regarding his bizarre comments moments after Manchester City's Champions League collapse against Feyenoord on Tuesday. The City boss cut a delirious figure in his press conference after watching his side surrender a three-goal lead in 15 minutes to draw 3-3 at the Etihad Stadium.

Anis Hadj Moussa, Santiago Gimenez and David Hancko preyed on the confidence-shot hosts late on, cancelling Erling Haaland's brace and Ilkay Gundogan's deflected strike.

While ending a disastrous five-match losing streak in all competitions, the stunning turn of events extended City's winless run to six games ahead of Sunday's Premier League trip to leaders Liverpool.

Guardiola later caused a stir when Amazon Sport viewers noticed a patch of red self-inflicted scratch marks atop his head during his post-match interview.

The Catalan coach also wore a bloodied mark on his nose, and he was questioned about his appearance in his press conference.

After demonstrating that he cut his nose with his sharp nail, Guardiola raised eyebrows by dropping a bombshell quote before quickly leaving the media room.

As he donned a frenetic grim, Guardiola added: "I want to harm myself, yeah."

After his worrying comments, the 53-year-old received as much criticism as concern overnight, and he has since taken to social media to address his actions.

"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," Guardiola wrote on X and Instagram.

"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."

City's incredible meltdown left the Champions League favourites 15th in the league phase, five points behind the top eight and just four above the elimination spots.

The defending Premier League champions travel to Anfield this weekend, knowing a sixth defeat in seven games would leave them 11 points off the summit one-third into the season.

Arne Slot's Liverpool have blown away the domestic and European competition at the start of his reign, winning 16 of his 18 matches in charge and losing just once.

With Real Madrid on the agenda tonight ahead of City's visit, this week could be the finest of his Reds career yet.