Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" after an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat 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 feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. The reason why I support my squad is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."
City's Position and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December during our historic run? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful 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. My God, very much so."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.
Next Big Match
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he commented.
City have 10 points after four games of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
