Pep Guardiola Voices Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Defeat to Newcastle
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of the Citizens' loss 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 headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt 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 want to defend my team is clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Manager's Take
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December during our historic run? No."
Interaction with GuimarĂŁes
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager addressed his squad immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, constantly. My God, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.
City have 10 points after four games in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
