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Champions League

Pep Guardiola self-harms again

The Manchester City manager sank into despair during tense moments of the Brugge game and appeared to harm himself.

The Manchester City manager sank into despair during tense moments of the Brugge game and appeared to harm himself.
Jason CairnduffAction Images via Reuters

Manchester City’s match against Club Brugge was anything but smooth sailing. The atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium was charged with tension during Wednesday’s crucial Champions League matchday 8 - the final game of the group phase.

At one point, Pep Guardiola’s team were locked in 26th in the 32-team standings it appeared that their European dreams were slipping away.

Nightmare start for City against Brugge

Just before halftime, Raphael Onyedika put Brugge ahead, leaving the English champions in a precarious position. Cameras quickly zoomed in on the Spanish coach, who appeared despondent and resigned as he watched the opponent’s goal unfold.

When the two teams re-emerged after half-time, Guardiola’s appearance was surprising. Just like a few weeks ago during the match against Feyenoord, he showed up with visible marks on his head. The self-inflicted injuries were evident.

Every time we see Guardiola, we can see what he’s going through emotionally. Tonight is a lot...” said TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher.

City respond after the break

However, the remaining 45 minutes provided some relief for Guardiola. With City fully committed on attacking, the equalizer came quickly. Kovacic leveled in the 53rd minute. Nine minutes later, an own goal by Ordóñez put City on the path to qualification. Savinho completed the task with a third goal

It was a dramatic turnaround that showcased City’s resilience under pressure.

Guardiola’s intense reactions highlight the immense pressure he faces in these high-stakes matches.

Pep finally breathed a sigh of relief. His appearance at the post-match press conference was calm and composed. He exuded absolute tranquility, even when discussing the formidable opponents Manchester City might face next in the tournament: Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.

We deserve it. I don’t know if they are happy to play against us but it is what it is. No complaints,” Guardiola told reporters after the game. “We’re going to face them [Madrid or Bayern]. One is the king of the competition, the other is the second or third. We will experience the second leg there. What I wish from the beginning of the season is to have the team back and players fit. I accept Rodri but not the other ones”.

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