Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after a confrontation with a TV crew member subsequent to the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. I don’t like it. 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."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies in December during our historic run? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "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 passionate, I love to talk and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach addressed his squad immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he said, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he said.
City have 10 points after four games of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.