Pep Guardiola Voices Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Magpies
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, 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 far from perfect, errors happen."
"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 no doubt – based on my career to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, 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 means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
When questioned about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter 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 every time after the game, 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 love to talk and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as you talk with respect like I always have done, it's fine," he said, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.
Next Big Match
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, it means that every season we have been there," he said.
City have 10 points after four games in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
