Manchester City's manager Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a TV crew member subsequent to the Citizens' loss at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. The reason why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
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 means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? No."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as you talk with respect like I always have done, it's fine," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. My God, he was involved."
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 the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Next Big Match
He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete we have been there," he said.
City have 10 points after four games in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
