Manchester City's manager Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Incident Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's loss at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games 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. 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
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 to win everything."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. My God, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that the officials did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning 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, it means that every season annually," he said.
City have 10 points after four games of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.