Manchester City's manager Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Loss to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a TV crew member subsequent to Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. The reason why I support my squad is no doubt – 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
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "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 love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind 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, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, very much so."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.
Next Big Match
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.
City have 10 points after four games in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
