Journalist claims argument with Manchester City star caused Pep Guardiola to scratch head and cause red marks

Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has explained how an argument between Pep Guardiola and Kyle Walker led to the scratch marks on the Manchester City manager's face. There were concerns when the Cityzens boss had scars which appeared to be self-inflicted.

Guardiola was seen with the marks after City drew 3-3 to Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League (November 26). He explained that they were the result of him scratching his face with his finger and that he wanted to harm himself.

The Spaniard later apologized for his self-harm comments. He posted on his Instagram account:

"My answer was in no way intended to make light of the very serious issue of self-harm."

However, many still questioned whether there was more to the story. Balague, a close confidant of Pep Guardiola's, explained how an argument with Walker over positioning led to the scratches.

Balague said on X:

"That is because there was an argument the day before, a football argument, about positional football and where he had to play with Kyle Walker. He just got nervous, marked his nose and they put a cover on it in his own office. At the end of the game, he goes to the changing room and starts scratching his head."

Pep Guardiola is experiencing the worst period in his managerial career. Manchester City's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at the Etihad (December 15) means they've won just one game in 11 outings across competitions.

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Kyle Walker has allegedly been playing with an injury amid Pep Guardiola's injury-stricken Manchester City

Kyle Walker has been playing injured (Image - Getty)

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City are not only struggling for results but also for fit players. Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake are nursing knocks, and a defensive injury nightmare has struck the Etihad.

City sources have told The Daily Mail that Walker has been playing with an injury for over a month to help aid the situation. His form has been scrutinized with many questioning whether the 34-year-old can no longer battle at the top level.

Walker's demeanour is said to have changed, too, as he's become quiet and reserved in training. He's usually a big character whose passionate personality led to him being voted as club captain twice.

The former Tottenham Hotspur right-back has appeared 15 times across competitions this season. He's experiencing personal issues as his wife, Annie Kilner, has filed for divorce.

Walker has been at the Etihad since July 2017, winning 17 major trophies. He has over a year left on his Manchester City contract after signing a new deal in the summer.