Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Defeat to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's loss at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. Why I want to defend my team is no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple last winter during our historic run? No."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
