Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's loss at Newcastle this past weekend.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched 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 operator. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. The reason why I want to defend my team is no doubt – based on my career to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 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 after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
When questioned about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies in December during our historic run? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, home or away, we converse. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.