Pep Guardiola sparks concern as he appears with cuts and marks on his face and jokes about ‘self-harm’ in press conference after latest poor Manchester City result

Football fans have shared their concerns after Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola joked that he wanted to ‘harm himself’ after his side took a 3-0 lead to draw against Feyenoord in the Champions League.

Guardiola had seen his side collapse from a position of comfort in the closing stages on Tuesday evening, with the draw extending Man City’s run to six games without a win in all competitions.

The Man City boss was questioned at his post-match press conference about a cut on his nose, while scratches were also visible on his head.

“Yes, it comes from my nail on my finger,” Guardiola said. ‘I cut myself with my fingernail (during the game).

Guardiola then added: “I want to harm myself,” before smiling at reporters and leaving at the end of his press conference.

Despite Guardiola’s comment appearing to be a joke, concerns were raised on social media about the Manchester City manager’s statement.

The City boss was seen frustrated in the dugout after his side threw away a three-goal lead

Guardiola later joked that he wanted to hurt himself after seeing his side’s capitulation

Broadcaster Nicky Crosby wrote: ‘What other industry would this be considered okay? People would offer support and professional help. Why should football be any different?!

“It’s hard to watch.”

Fans also suggested that Guardiola’s comments should be taken seriously, despite his comment appearing to be a joke.

“I really hope Pep Guardiola is well connected and people help him,” one fan wrote.

‘Mental health is no joke and he is clearly going through a difficult time. He seemed so clumsy and ran away quite quickly after saying he wanted to hurt himself.”

Others reiterated the hope that Guardiola has a strong support network at Man City and insisted his comment should be viewed seriously.

“When I saw it I didn’t pass it up and neither should anyone,” wrote another. “He needs a good support system around him.”

Man City’s draw against Feyenoord ended a run of five consecutive defeats, the worst run of Guardiola’s managerial career.

Broadcaster Nicky Crosby suggested Guardiola’s comments at the press conference were ‘hard to watch’

Fans expressed hope that Guardiola has a strong support network and that his comment will be taken seriously

Guardiola lamented his team’s inability to win games after Feyenoord scored three goals in 14 second-half minutes to stun City.

“We are not capable of winning games,” Guardiola admitted. ‘As a team we always find a way over the years. At this point, nothing is happening in any other situation.”

Man City go into Sunday’s clash with Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield, without a win in over a month.

“There was no need to say anything to them, they know it perfectly,” Guardiola said, when asked what he said to his players.

‘Three episodes and they (Feyenoord) didn’t let us win. It is what it is and so hard to swallow. It will be a tough season for us and we have to accept that. We have to lift them (for Anfield). I have to lift my players up. It’s my job.’

Guardiola agreed last week to extend his contract with Manchester City until 2027, which would put him in charge for more than a decade.

The Catalan claimed a ‘special feeling’ and support from key figures at the club had convinced him to stay at Man City, where he has led the team to six Premier League titles.

City were concerned that the 53-year-old would part ways and worked hard to convince him to renew, with his relationship with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak a contributing factor in the decision.

City’s winless run has now been extended to six games as they now head to title rivals Liverpool

Guardiola signed a new contract with Man City last week, but is experiencing one of his toughest moments as a manager

“Since the start of the season I have been thinking a lot,” Guardiola said. “I thought it (this season) would be the last.

“But given the problems we’ve had over the past month, I felt this is not the time to leave. I would have let the club down.

‘I felt like I couldn’t leave now. It’s that simple. Maybe the four defeats were the reason why and I felt I couldn’t leave. I felt that the club still wanted me and that we are still together, so I signed.”

The contract extension came ahead of Man City’s heavy 4-0 defeat by Tottenham on Sunday.

The result puts Man City in second place in the Premier League, but Guardiola’s team is eight points behind leaders Liverpool.