Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. Why I want to defend my team is no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, 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
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he noted, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Next Big Match
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he said.
City have 10 points after four games of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.