Pep Guardiola reveals absolutely bonkers reasoning behind strangely scratched face after Man City blow three-goal lead in Champions League draw with Feyenoord

The City boss was sporting a nasty cut to his nose when he arrived at the Etihad Stadium and ended the game in even more pain after his side chucked away a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3. It means his side have failed to win their last six games, the first time that has happened since his first season in the Premier League eight years ago.

"I cut it with my finger," Guardiola told a press conference. He then appeared to joke: "I want to hurt myself."

City looked to be cruising towards a first victory in six games when two goals from Erling Haaland and one from Ilkay Gundogan gave them a 3-0 lead early in the second half but some horrendous defending saw them concede three times in the final 15 minutes. Josko Gvardiol made two crucial errors after his nightmare display against Tottenham but Guardiola leapt to the Croatian's defence. "He is so young. He will learn. I will be so wrong if I point the finger, he’s a fantastic boy. Now, more than ever, he needs help," the coach said.

This was the first time since May 1989 that City have failed to win a game after taking a three-goal lead. Guardiola, who made three substitutions midway through the second half, admitted he did not see the Feyenoord comeback coming. He said: "The game is never over but at 3-0 I could not see any danger."

The champions must pick themselves up from their dismal run of form before Sunday's trip to Premier League leaders Liverpool. If City lose at Anfield, where they have not won since 2003 (excluding the pandemic-affected 2020-21 season), they will fall 11 points behind the Reds, a gap that Guardiola has admitted would be unassailable.