Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Loss to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. The reason why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
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," he conceded. "Technically, we can 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 discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno for many years and every time after the game, 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 love to talk and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR 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 show he was level.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.