Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Loss to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted 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, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. 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, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
When questioned about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years 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 passionate, I love to talk and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "No - as long as it's respectful like I always have done, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. Goodness, very much so."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle against 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 against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he said.
City have 10 points after four games of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
