Pep Guardiola Voices Remorse Over Camera Operator Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad 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 Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December when we won the quadruple? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he commented.
The club has ten points after four games in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
