Pep Guardiola Voices Remorse Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. Why I want to defend my team is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "I've known him for many years and post-match, home or away, we converse. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "No - as long as you talk with respect as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, it means that every season we have been there," he said.
The club has ten points after four games in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
