Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Defeat to Magpies
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of 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 the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt 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 support my squad is clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
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," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December during our historic run? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "I've known him a long time and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season we have been there," he said.
The club has ten points after four games of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.