Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's loss at Newcastle 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," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. 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."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. The reason why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Manager's Take
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, 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: "I've known him for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach addressed his squad immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he commented.
City have 10 points after four games of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.