Manchester City's manager Expresses Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to Manchester City's loss at Newcastle on Saturday.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and 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 have to do 100 points, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December during our historic run? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and post-match, home or away, we converse. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, 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 noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, constantly. 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 if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he commented.
City have 10 points after four games in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
