Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies this past weekend.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. Why I want to defend my team is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing 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. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "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 passionate, I love to talk and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "No - as long as you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he said, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, 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 on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage his century in Europe versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
