Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he had no intention of "playing down the self-harm" when asked about scratches on his face.
City blew a 3-0 lead against Feyenoord to draw 3-3 in the Champions League on Tuesday, but Guardiola was later seen with several scratches on his forehead during a post-match interview with broadcaster Amazon Prime.
When asked by reporters about the scratches on his nose during his press conference, Guardiola made a scratching motion and replied, "With my fingers and nails. I want to do something to myself," he said, laughing as he left the press conference.
"At the end of last night's press conference, I was surprised when a question was asked about the marks on my face, which were explained as having been caused accidentally by a sharp fingernail," a statement released in Guardiola's name read, along with X and his official Instagram account.
He said his response in no way trivializes the very serious issue of self-harm.
The statement went on to say that Guardiola recognises that "many people struggle with mental health issues every day", and cited the charity Samaritans "to highlight an issue and how people can seek help."
City's losing streak ended at five with a draw against Feyenoord at the Etihad Stadium.