Pep Guardiola Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Newcastle
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. The reason why I want to defend my team is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," he conceded. "Technically, we can 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 when we won the quadruple? No."
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 converse. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "No - as long as you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. My God, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he commented.
City have 10 points after four games in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
