Pep Guardiola Voices Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" after a confrontation with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with the referee, 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 apologised after one second to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. The reason why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December during our historic run? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle against Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he said.
City have 10 points after four games of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
