Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" after an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the operator. That's just me. 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, without a doubt. The reason why I want to defend my team is clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
When questioned about a potential quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December during our historic run? No."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno for many years and every time after the game, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager addressed his squad immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he said, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.