Manchester City's manager Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Loss to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games 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. The reason why I support my squad is no doubt – based on my career to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners 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."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple in December during our historic run? No."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we converse. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. My God, very much so."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Next Big Match
He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, showing we compete we have been there," he commented.
The club has ten points after four games of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.