Manchester City's manager Voices Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "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 far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. The reason why I support my squad is no doubt – based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, or we fall short."
City's Position and Manager's Take
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple last winter during our historic run? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy 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 noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he said.
City have 10 points after four games in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.