Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my 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, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Manager's Take
City are 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 about a potential quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, home or away, we converse. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "No - as long as you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Subsequent images show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
