Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after a confrontation with a TV crew member subsequent to 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, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. The reason why I want to defend my team is no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."
City's Position and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
When questioned about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? No."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, home or away, we converse. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager addressed his squad immediately after a game. "No - as long as you talk with respect as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
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, while Leverkusen have five.