Manchester City's manager Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's loss at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset 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 headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. The reason why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to clinch the title 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 following their fourth loss of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, home or away, we converse. We often meet and we get along well. I love 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. "No - as long as you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.