Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Defeat to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "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 far from perfect, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. The reason why I support my squad is clear – because from my experience to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, 98 points, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
When questioned about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple last winter when we won the quadruple? No."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno for many years and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we converse. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect like I always have done, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. My God, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge against 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
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
