Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, addressed a comment he made after his team’s dramatic 3-3 draw against Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday, where City squandered a three-goal lead in the final 15 minutes. The comment, made during a post-match press conference, drew attention due to its potential insensitivity to mental health issues.
Guardiola, appearing at the news conference with a cut on his nose and scratches on his head, jokingly explained their origin. When asked about the marks, he demonstrated a downward motion with his finger along his nose and said, “My nail,” before smiling and adding, “I want to harm myself.” While seemingly a flippant remark born out of frustration, the comment quickly garnered criticism for its potential to trivialize the serious issue of self-harm.
On Wednesday, Guardiola posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter), clarifying his remarks and addressing the concerns raised. He explained that the scratches were caused by a sharp fingernail and emphasized that his comment was not intended to diminish the severity of self-harm or mental health struggles.
“I know that many people struggle with mental health issues every day,” Guardiola stated. “I would like to take this moment to highlight one of the ways people can seek help, by calling the Samaritans hotline on 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.”
The incident comes during Guardiola’s toughest spell as a manager. City’s collapse against Feyenoord marked an unprecedented low in Champions League history, as no team had ever lost a three-goal lead as late as the 75th minute and failed to win the game, according to Opta.
This followed a five-game losing streak across all competitions—Guardiola’s worst as a manager—and a 4-0 defeat at home to Tottenham. The pressure continues to mount as City prepare to face Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday in what could be a pivotal clash.
While Guardiola’s clarification helped diffuse the controversy, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of sensitive communication, particularly regarding mental health. Public figures have a responsibility to consider the impact of their words, even in moments of frustration.