Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Loss to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "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 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 clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
When questioned about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? No."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I love it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "No - as long as it's respectful like I always have done, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle against Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he commented.
The club has ten points after four games in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.