Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Loss to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat at Newcastle this past weekend.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my 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 have to do 100 points, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing 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 we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can to win everything."
When questioned about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "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 Guimarães, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach 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, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, very much so."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he said.
City have 10 points from four matches of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
