Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to Manchester City's loss at Newcastle this past weekend.
At full time, 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 broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the operator. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. Why I want to defend my team is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, 98 points, or we fall short."
City's Position and Manager's Take
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can to win everything."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December when we won the quadruple? No."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and post-match, home or away, we converse. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach addressed his squad immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it throughout the match, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he said.
City have 10 points after four games of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.