Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following a confrontation with a TV crew member subsequent to Manchester City's loss at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, 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," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. The reason why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
When questioned about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? No."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. My God, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete we have been there," he commented.
City have 10 points after four games in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
