Manchester City's manager Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Loss to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a camera operator subsequent to Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. Why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
When questioned about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December when we won the quadruple? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we converse. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach addressed his squad immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.