Manchester City's manager Voices Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Loss to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
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, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. The reason why I support my squad is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple in December during our historic run? No."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we converse. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. My God, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete we have been there," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.