Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he had no intention of “taking self-harm lightly” when answering a question about scratches on his face.

City squandered a 3-0 lead on Tuesday to draw 3-3 against Feyenoord in the Champions League. Guardiola was later seen with several scratch marks on his forehead during his post-match interview with broadcaster Amazon Prime.

When asked by reporters during his press conference about a mark on his nose, Guardiola made a scratching motion and said: “With my finger, my nail.”

The 53-year-old then said: “I want to do something to myself,” before laughing as he left the press conference.

“At the end of a press conference last night, I was surprised by a question about a scratch that had appeared on my face and explained that it had been accidentally caused by a sharp fingernail,” said a statement issued on behalf of Guardiola was published on his official account on X and Instagram.

“My response was in no way intended to trivialize the very serious problem of self-harm.”

The statement continued that Guardiola was aware that “many people struggle with mental health issues every day” and pointed to the charity Samaritans to “highlight one of the ways people can seek help.”

The draw against Feyenoord at the Etihad Stadium ended City’s five-game losing streak.

However, the club has not won since a 1-0 win against Southampton on October 26th.

Guardiola’s side are 15th in the 36-team Champions League table and second in the Premier League, eight points behind leaders Liverpool, who they face at Anfield on Sunday.

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