Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's loss at Newcastle on Saturday.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. Why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can to win everything."
When questioned about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple in December during our historic run? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he said, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, very much so."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle against Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.
Next Big Match
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he commented.
City have 10 points after four games of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
