Manchester City's manager Voices Remorse Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a TV crew member subsequent to the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies 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 headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. The reason why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
When questioned about a potential quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? No."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and post-match, home or away, we converse. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that the officials did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete we have been there," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
