Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Loss to Newcastle
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a TV crew member subsequent to Manchester City's loss at Newcastle this past weekend.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad is no doubt – based on my career to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, 98 points, 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."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December during our historic run? No."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, 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. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted 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. "That's impressive, showing we compete we have been there," he commented.
The club has ten points after four games in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
