Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies this past weekend.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. Why I want to defend my team is no doubt – based on my career to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
When questioned about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk about the quadruple last winter when we won the quadruple? No."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. We often meet 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 addressed his squad immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he noted, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it throughout the match, constantly. My God, very much so."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that the officials did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage his century in Europe versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.