Manchester City's manager Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after a confrontation with a TV crew member subsequent to the Citizens' loss at Newcastle this past weekend.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, 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 win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, high nineties, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
When questioned about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December during our historic run? No."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time 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 love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he said, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
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 indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.