Pep Guardiola Voices Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a TV crew member subsequent to Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies this past weekend.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games 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, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle against Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
