Pep Guardiola Voices Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Loss to Magpies
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" after a confrontation with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' 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 match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. Why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk about the quadruple last winter during our historic run? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with GuimarĂŁes, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno for many years and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we converse. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "No - as long as it's respectful like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.
Next Big Match
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 of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
