Manchester City's manager Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. The reason why I want to defend my team is clear – because from my experience to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, high nineties, or we fall short."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me about the quadruple last winter when we won the quadruple? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager addressed his squad immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete we have been there," he said.
City have 10 points after four games in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
