Manchester City's manager Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. The reason why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, or we fall short."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "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 about the quadruple in December when we won the quadruple? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "I've known him for many years and post-match, home or away, we converse. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. 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 not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Subsequent images show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season we have been there," he said.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.