Manchester City's manager Voices Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies this past weekend.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. The reason why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, 98 points, 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. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? No."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno for many years and every time after the game, home or away, we converse. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned 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, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved 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 on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, showing we compete we have been there," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
