Manchester City's manager Voices Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Loss to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following a confrontation with a camera operator subsequent to Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.
When the match concluded, an emotional 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," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk about the quadruple last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno for many years and every time after the game, home or away, we converse. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season we have been there," he said.
City have 10 points from four matches of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
