Manchester City's manager Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December during our historic run? No."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, home or away, we converse. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach addressed his squad immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle against Foden, and doubted 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 his century in Europe versus Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
