Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"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 clinch the title we have to do 100 points, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno for many years and every time after the game, home or away, 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."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager addressed his squad immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful like I always have done, it's fine," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned 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 versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he said.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
