Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" after an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. 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 stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. Why I want to defend my team is clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, high nineties, or we fall short."
City's Position and Manager's Take
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can to win everything."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned 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 for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, very much so."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that the officials did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he said.
The club has ten points after four games of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
