Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola sparked curiosity when visible scratches were seen on his face following a dramatic draw against Feyenoord.

The Premier League champions, desperate to end their winless run, appeared to be cruising to victory with a 3-0 lead. However, a late collapse in the final 15 minutes saw them settle for a draw, further compounding their frustrations.

Guardiola, addressing the media after the match, drew attention for the marks on his nose and head. When questioned, he explained that the injuries were accidental but lightheartedly joked about wanting to harm himself. “My finger, here,” Guardiola said, pointing to his nose. “My nail. I want to harm myself.”

As Guardiola left the press conference, a reporter offered words of encouragement, saying, “It will be okay.”

However, things remain far from okay for City, who now face the daunting challenge of an away game at league leaders Liverpool this weekend. Guardiola stressed the need for his side to regroup and regain their form ahead of the critical clash at Anfield.

Reflecting on the Feyenoord game, Guardiola expressed frustration over the missed opportunity to secure a win. “Three episodes didn’t allow us to win, what we needed,” he said. “The game was good. We scored three, could have scored more, and did everything, but in the end, we gave away the first goal and lost stability.”

He continued, “It’s not about running or commitment, but in football, you have to do it in the key moments. The second goal, it hits the post—what can you do? We need to rest for a day or two and prepare for Anfield.”

When asked about lifting the team’s morale, Guardiola acknowledged his responsibility. “We have to, I have to—it’s my job,” he said. “We played a good game but couldn’t control the last minutes.”

Should City lose to Liverpool this weekend, they risk falling 11 points behind in the Premier League title race. After the trip to Merseyside, City will host Nottingham Forest before traveling to face Crystal Palace, a schedule that leaves little room for error.

Rodri, known for his immense influence on the field, has made history as the first-ever Manchester City player to win the Ballon d’Or and Spain’s first winner since 1960.

The Spanish midfielder, Rodrigo Hernández, has consistently been a powerhouse in midfield for both Manchester City and Spain’s national team, recently leading Spain to a European Championship victory.

He entered the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris as a frontrunner, surpassing top contender Vinicius.

Rodri’s role as a midfield anchor is crucial for his team’s success. While he excels defensively, particularly with high-pressure tactics, he is equally valuable in his offensive contributions as a primary playmaker and strategist for City.

His skill in controlling the game’s tempo and orchestrating plays cements him as one of the most pivotal players in modern football.

Rodri’s Remarkable Stats Highlight His Impact

Rodri’s influence becomes even clearer through his impressive stats: since 2023, he has accumulated more trophies with Manchester City and Spain than losses. Over the past year, he’s faced only four defeats, with a striking pattern—every City loss this year coincided with his absence due to injury. This further proves how essential Rodri is to the success of the Cityzens and their ability to secure victories.

With this prestigious win, Rodri not only adds another accolade to his collection but also solidifies his position among the all-time greats in football.

The highly anticipated Ballon d’Or ceremony, football’s most prestigious awards night, is set for Monday, October 28, in Paris. Hosted at the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet, the event guarantees a new winner for the men’s prize this year.

With football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo absent from the 30-man shortlist, emerging stars Jude Bellingham, Rodri, and Vinícius Jr. are considered top contenders for the golden trophy.

In the women’s category, top players like Aitana Bonmatí, Caroline Graham Hansen, Mallory Swanson, Salma Paralluelo, and Ada Hegerberg are strong candidates for the top honor.

Additional awards include the Kopa Trophy for the best men’s under-21 player, the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeepers in men’s and women’s football, as well as Club and Coach of the Year recognitions.

The ceremony promises to be an unforgettable celebration of football’s best.

When is the 2024 Ballon d’Or Ceremony?

The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on Monday, October 28, beginning at 19:45 UK time.

How to Follow the Ballon d’Or Ceremony on TNT Sports

TNT Sports and Eurosport will provide a dedicated live blog covering all ceremony highlights on October 28. Follow every moment on the TNT Sports website.

How to Stream the 2024 Ballon d’Or Ceremony

You can watch the event on our live stream page and for free on L’Equipe’s YouTube channel and website. This will give fans worldwide front-row access to this prestigious night of awards and celebrations.