Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Loss to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, or we fall short."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
When questioned about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me about the quadruple in December when we won the quadruple? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he said.
The club has ten points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
