Pep Guardiola Voices Remorse Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Loss to Newcastle
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's loss at Newcastle this past weekend.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. The reason why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss 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, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies in December during our historic run? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "No - as long as it's respectful like I always have done, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
