Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat at Newcastle this past weekend.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Technically, we can to win everything."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December during our historic run? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager addressed his squad immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, very much so."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he said.
The club has ten points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
