Pep Guardiola Voices Remorse Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Defeat to Magpies
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" after a confrontation with a TV crew member subsequent to Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. 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, that’s for sure. The reason why I want to defend my team is clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, 98 points, or we fall short."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me about the quadruple last winter during our historic run? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "I've known him for many years and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful like I always have done, it's fine," he noted, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe versus Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.