Football fans have expressed concerns after Pep Guardiola appeared with cuts and bruises on his head and face following Manchester City’s Champions League collapse.
Man City looked like they were about to end a miserable run of five straight defeats with a comprehensive win against Feyenoord on Tuesday night, taking a three-nil lead against the Dutch side.
However, it wasn’t to be as the Blues capitulated late on in the second half, conceding a trio of goals roughly every six minutes, starting in the 74th minute and concluding with an equaliser in the 89th.
While it wasn’t a loss, it will have certainly have felt like one for all those inside the Etihad, watching at home, the squad and most certainly Pep, who looked visibly distressed by the on-pitch ordeal – so much so that he looked to have caused some cuts to his own face.
Pep had bruises and cuts on his head and nose after Man City blew a three-goal lead vs. Feyenoord 😮 pic.twitter.com/pluhOhLHa3
While some people online had initially speculated that there might have been a scuffle with the players in the dressing room, an exasperated Guardiola – donning a noticeably red brow and bruised head, as well as a cut on his nose – explained that marks appeared as a result of wanting to “hurt [him]self’.
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Despite delivering the line flippantly and grinning as he made an abrupt exit from his post-match press conference, with one reporter saying “It’ll be ok” as Pep walked off, the visible cuts to his face and associated comments understandably sparked some worry.
Plenty of people slammed the Catalan coach, stating that “mental health is not a laughing matter” and shouldn’t be joked about, many were also quick to share concerns for his wellbeing, with one person writing: “Yeah, let’s maybe not make jokes about this, he should probably take a break from everything.”
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A Manchester United fan account added: “Rivalries aside. Someone needs to check Pep Guardiola’s health. Because it’s not normal or okay to cut and scratch yourself like he has. He needs a full physiatrics check for him to make sure he’s not a danger to himself.”
The 53-year-old has since come to qualify his remarks, explaining that he had no intention of downplaying serious issues like self-harm.
My answer was in no way intended to make light of the very serious issue of self harm. (2/3)
Guardiola went on to add: “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 in [which] people can seek help, by calling the Samaritans hotline on 116 123 or emailing [email protected].”
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While the explanation was enough for some and has clearly raised questions surrounding the level of stress such a big job and City’s recent form has caused him, others have said the response is “too little too late”. We’re sure you can expect a follow-up statement regarding the situation on his next media day.
It goes without saying that mental health is a crucial issue and anyone struggling should seek help via vital outlets like Samaritans, the free services like SHOUT which you can access online or by texting 85258, as well as the NHS’ crisis helpline.
If you or someone you know is a current risk to themselves, you should call 999 immediately.
Not only was the result against Spurs at the weekend the first time he had lost five in a row in his entire career, but the draw against Feyenoord also saw him match his longest-ever winless run, not to mention it being the first time the 53-year-old has failed to win a game after leading by three goals.
As one of the best teams in world football, we’re sure the results will turn around for City in no time with a title-race derby against league leaders Liverpool coming up next, a statement win is really needed in order to relieve some serious pressure.
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You can watch the highlights from Man City vs Feyenoord here.
Rodri has been fined for his comments about referees following Man City vs Spurs game
Danny Jones
Manchester City star Rodri has been fined a large sum for his comments about recent refereeing following the Blues’ game against Tottenham Hotspur last month.
The Man City midfielder and Spanish international has avoided a match ban, as many supporters first feared, but will still pay £80k as punishment for the remarks.
While perhaps not a huge figure for a Premier League footballer, he still admitted to questioning the officiating on the day, but did submit evidence to the board in arguing his case.
The Euro 2024 winner had already been charged by the FA following the comments a fortnight after the frustrating home draw, but was given until 18 February to respond/appeal.
BREAKING: Rodri has been fined £80,000 and warned about his future conduct over comments made following Man City's draw with Tottenham Hotspur last month. pic.twitter.com/wdP4slCNef
At the time, little detail was revealed about what exactly was said to the ref, with Rodri accusing Rob Jones of not being neutral and acting in an ‘improper manner’, but it was his comments in the post-match zone that shone an extra spotlight on the situation.
Speaking to the media after the game, the 29-year-old said: “I know we won too much and the people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral. It’s not fair because we work so hard.
“When everything is finished, you are frustrated. It’s one game and another game and another game – and it’s not possible. Honestly, I never speak about referees; I respect their job massively, but they have to pay attention to these things.”
Rodri was referring to the equaliser by Dominic Solanke, who scored his brace in the 70th-minute to bring his team level, but City and many other football fans believed kicked through defender Marc Guehi’s leg to do so.
As a result, instead of a foul being given, the goal stood, the game ended 2-2, and Pep Guardiola’s side went on to drop crucial points in this year’s title race.
In case you missed any of it, you can see the challenge/controversial goal in question HERE, and listen to Rodri’s response in the immediate aftermath down below.
As you can see, he went on to insist that the incident was “so clear”, as well as intimating that this wasn’t the first time.
He and others around the club believe he and his teammates had been on the receiving end of some incorrect decisions for “two, three games in a row”, adding, “I don’t know why.”
What do you make of the choice to fine Rodri for his comments about referees, or do you think the central Man City cog should have even been punished?
Featured Images — Sky Sports (screenshot via YouTube)
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Medlock Square: Manchester’s new £300 million entertainment destination on the Etihad Campus
Danny Jones
Manchester’s newest entertainment destination, located over at the ever-growing Etihad Campus, has finally been given a name ahead of its launch later this year.
Alongside the recently announced and Radisson-run hotel, Medlock Square will see the Manchester City-partnered mini leisure district aim to become a new must-visit part of the city.
Hoping to draw in crowds beyond just matchdays and those heading to concerts across the way, approximately £300 million is being pumped into the project.
With Co-op Live having already brought huge revenues into Greater Manchester, it isn’t just set to be a pricey development, but one that will look to serve as yet another money spinner for the wider City Football Group (CFG) and the City Region.
Credit: CFG (supplied)
Unveiling the first CGIs of the square this week, this new area will essentially see attractions and activities spill out of the Etihad Stadium, Co-op Live and the soon-to-open Medlock hotel and on to the campus as a whole.
With other parts of Sportcity already revolving around the footballing epicentre, such as the Manchester Regional Arena and National Squash Centre, this will not only see even more sporting events and supporters brought to the roughly 80-acre plot, but also fans of various other forms of entertainment.
For instance, within the plans that already include the food and drink offerings you would expect – with Radisson Blu backing more of the relaxation and indulgent side of things – other activities include everything from “an adrenaline-fuelled sky walk experience”, as well as zip-wire and abseiling.
We already knew about some of these from the details in Man City’s stadium expansion plans (including the likes of The Medlock and rooftop bar), and glimpses of the impending hotel opening gave us a better idea of the overall look, but there looks to be plenty more in the pipeline.
You can see a trailer for what they have in mind for Medlock Square down below.
Welcome to Medlock Square. Manchester’s newest entertainment destination. A place where mouthwatering cuisine and world class entertainment, experiences and events converge. Coming soon! pic.twitter.com/4bC7NQbMHT
As per an official press release by the fledgling team, more information on further business and employment opportunities has also now been confirmed, centring around the new ‘One Medlock Square’ structure that will be built on the campus.
“Designed to accommodate up to 300 employees, the state-of-the-art workspace will offer high-quality, modern office facilities alongside access to shared event spaces and wellness amenities, uniquely positioned within Manchester’s most exciting new destination”, the statement reads.
There’s certainly some ambitious stuff in the works, put it that way.
And, of course, these will also slot into a renovated club shop turned meagstore, an all-new Man City museum, the Co-op arena, live music and other open-air events, just to name a few. A specific opening date is yet to be scheduled, but you can guarantee it’ll be a big deal when it does launch.
Danny Jones -
27th November 2024 
