'Want to hurt myself': Guardiola quips about cut on his nose after Man City's draw against Feyenoord (WATCH)
By Sunita Iyer | First Published Nov 27, 2024, 1:22 PM ISTPep Guardiola humourously claimed he wanted to hurt himself after his Manchester City side threw away a 3-0 lead against Feyenoord in their Champions League clash on Tuesday, extending their winless streak to six matches in all competitions.
Pep Guardiola humourously claimed he wanted to hurt himself after his Manchester City side threw away a 3-0 lead against Feyenoord in their Champions League clash on Tuesday, extending their winless streak to six matches in all competitions.
When asked about a deep cut on his nose and several red marks on his head during his post-match press conference, Guardiola replied, "Yes, it's from my nail on my finger,' he said. 'I cut myself with my fingernail (during the game). I want to hurt myself."
'I want to harm myself' 👀 Pep asked about the cuts on his nose and head pic.twitter.com/VQVCQ9brzy
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The City manager lamented his team's inability to secure a victory after Feyenoord scored three goals in just 14 minutes during the second half, completing a stunning comeback.
"We are not able to win games. As a team, always we find a way over the years. Right now, in another situation, nothing happens," admitted Guardiola.
FULL-TIME | A point apiece.
🩵 3-3 ⚫️ | pic.twitter.com/6oj1nEOIwm
Have to lift my players: Guardiola after Man City's draw
City, having ended their five-game losing streak, will head into Sunday's clash against Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield still searching for their first win in over a month.
"It was not necessary to say anything to them - they know it perfectly. Three episodes and they (Feyenoord) didn’t allow us to win. It is what it is and so difficult to swallow. It will be a tough season for us and we have to accept it. We have to lift them (for Anfield). I have to lift my players. It is my job," the City boss said.
"They are completely right to express how they feel" 🗣️
Pep Guardiola discusses Man City fans booing after his side blew a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 🔵 pic.twitter.com/3CnXFP4CMi
With City leading by three goals, Guardiola made a triple substitution in the 69th minute, bringing on Kevin De Bruyne, James McAtee, and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey. The Spaniard admitted he thought the game was effectively over at that point.
"Nathan (Ake) came off with 20 minutes left and I didn't have the feeling of a game in danger. Nathan has been injured many times. We didn’t want to expose him for 90 minutes. Ilkay (Gundogan) is the only fit holding midfielder we have and Phil (Foden) plays a lot of minutes. I did it for Kevin (De Bruyne) to get rhythm in the best way and Macca (McAtee) and Jahmai (Simpson-Pusey) are always so stable. In the moment, it was completely fine," he said.
Guardiola understands Man City fans' disappointment
When asked about the boos from a section of City supporters at full-time, Guardiola acknowledged he understood the frustration.
"They are disappointed. Of course we understand it. They come here not to remember the success in the past, but to see the team win," the Spaniard said.
The draw leaves City 15th in the Champions League standings, with eight points from five games, and with matches against Juventus, PSG, and Club Brugge still to play. City have also conceded two or more goals in six consecutive matches across all competitions, marking their worst defensive run since May 1963.
Meanwhile, Feyenoord manager Brian Priske praised his players for their mentality but stressed that City are still the best team in the world.
"It was an unbelievable game and an unbelievable evening facing, still for me, the best team in the world. Obviously they are struggling in elements at the moment, even though they were leading 3-0," Priske said.
"They gave away three key moments that we exploited at the end. It was a remarkable effort and mentality from our boys. After 3-1 I definitely felt that my boys were ready for this and then when they got 3-2 we felt that there was maybe something in the air tonight," he added.
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