Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Loss to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and 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, 98 points, or we fall short."
City's Position 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. "Technically, we can to win everything."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple last winter during our historic run? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno a long time and every time after the game, home or away, we converse. 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 right after the final whistle. "No - as long as it's respectful like I always have done, it's fine," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, 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 Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Subsequent images show he was level.
Next Big Match
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete we have been there," he said.
City have 10 points after four games in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
