Manchester City's manager Voices Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. The reason why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "I've known him for many years and every time after the game, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. My God, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he said.
City have 10 points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
