Manchester City's manager Voices Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after a confrontation with a TV crew member subsequent to Manchester City's loss at Newcastle this past weekend.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."
City's Position and Manager's Take
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December during our historic run? No."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and every time after the game, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I love it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "No - as long as it's respectful like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, very much so."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he said.
The club has ten points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.