Manchester City's manager Voices Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. The reason why I want to defend my team is no doubt – based on my career to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "I've known him for many years and post-match, home or away, we converse. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that the officials did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season we have been there," he said.
The club has ten points after four games in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
