Pep Guardiola Voices Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Defeat to Magpies
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies this past weekend.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. The reason why I want to defend my team is no doubt – based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Technically, we can to win everything."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, 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 a long time and post-match, home or away, we converse. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he said.
City have 10 points after four games in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
