Pep Guardiola Voices Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of the Citizens' loss at Newcastle this past weekend.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second 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 stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. The reason why I want to defend my team is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
When questioned about a potential quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "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 Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and every time after the game, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning 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 we have been there," he said.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
