Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Loss to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with match official 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. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. The reason why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, or we fall short."
City's Position and Manager's Take
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," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? No."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that the officials did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle against Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.
Next Big Match
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he said.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
