Manchester City's manager Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Defeat to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a TV crew member subsequent to the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
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 headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple last winter during our historic run? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that the officials denied a spot-kick 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 indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
