Pep Guardiola Voices Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Defeat to Newcastle
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" after an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"What is for sure, 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 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 after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
When questioned about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December during our historic run? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, home or away, we converse. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach 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. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. 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, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he commented.
The club has ten points after four games of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
