Manchester City's manager Voices Remorse Over Camera Operator Incident Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat at Newcastle this past weekend.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad is no doubt – based on my career to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk about the quadruple last winter during our historic run? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we converse. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach addressed his squad immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that the officials did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he commented.
The club has ten points after four games in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.