Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' loss at Newcastle this past weekend.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. Why I support my squad is clear – because from my experience to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, high nineties, or we fall short."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno a long time and every time after the game, 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."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he commented.
The club has ten points after four games in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.