Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Defeat to Magpies
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle this past weekend.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," 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, without a doubt. The reason why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, 98 points, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that the officials did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge 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 his century in Europe versus Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, showing we compete we have been there," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
