Manchester City's manager Voices Remorse Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Defeat to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after a confrontation with a TV crew member subsequent to the Citizens' loss at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. The reason why I want to defend my team is clear – based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
When questioned about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "No - as long as you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
