Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Loss to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after a confrontation with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, 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 apologised after one second to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. The reason why I support my squad is no doubt – based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position 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," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
When questioned about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? No."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "No - as long as you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
