Manchester City's manager Voices Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, 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."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
City are 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. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me about the quadruple in December during our historic run? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager addressed his squad immediately after a game. "No - as long as you talk with respect as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. My God, very much so."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he said.
The club has ten points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
