Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. The reason why I want to defend my team is clear – because from my experience to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
When questioned about a potential quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December during our historic run? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk 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 we get along well. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that the officials did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he commented.
City have 10 points after four games of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
