Pep Guardiola Voices Remorse Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following a confrontation with a TV crew member subsequent to the Citizens' 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the operator. 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. Why I support my squad is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
The team sits in 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," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can to win everything."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December during our historic run? Never."
Interaction with GuimarĂŁes
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he said, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, constantly. My God, very much so."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete we have been there," he said.
City have 10 points after four games in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
