Manchester City's manager Voices Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies this past weekend.
At full time, a visibly upset 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," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, 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 no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December 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 I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that the officials did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage his century in Europe versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he commented.
City have 10 points after four games in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
