Manchester City's manager Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a TV crew member subsequent to Manchester City's loss at Newcastle this past weekend.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. The reason why I want to defend my team is clear – 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
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "I've known him for many years and post-match, home or away, we converse. 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 immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he noted, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images show he was level.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.