Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Newcastle
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad is clear – because from my experience to win the Premier League 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 this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
When questioned about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple in December during our historic run? No."
Interaction with GuimarĂŁes
Regarding his confrontation with GuimarĂŁes, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno for many years 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 like discussing and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach addressed his squad immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge 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 of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, it means that every season we have been there," he said.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
