The Manchester City manager posted on social media to clarify his post-match answer.

Pep Guardiola has issued a statement on Tuesday explaining comments he made the previous day where he claimed he wanted to ‘hurt’ himself.

The Manchester City boss was covered in scratches and had a cut on his nose in the wake of the frustrating 3-3 draw against Feyenoord , a topic which stoked a lot of interest on social media.

Asked in his post-match press conference where the mark on his nose had come from, Guardiola replied: “With my finger, with my nail,” before adding: “I want to harm myself.”

Evidently a joke, the comments were criticised in some quarters for making light of self-harm. But Guardiola clarified via a statement on social media and said that he ‘in no way intended’ to underplay the issue and understands its severity.

“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,” he said via a statement.

“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 people can seek help, by calling the Samaritans hotline on 116 123 or emailing [email protected].”

After Tuesday’s 3-3 draw against Feyenoord - City’s sixth game in a row without victory - the Premier League champions head to Anfield this weekend to face Liverpool.