Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. 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, 98 points, or we fall short."
City's Position and Manager's Take
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December when we won the quadruple? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and every time after the game, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he said.
City have 10 points after four games in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
