Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.
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 broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. The reason why I want to defend my team is clear – based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Technically, we can to win everything."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple in December during our historic run? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he said.
City have 10 points after four games of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.