Manchester City's manager Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Loss to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following a confrontation with a TV crew member subsequent to the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. 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 defend any team and my club, without a doubt. Why I support my squad is no doubt – based on my career to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, or we fall short."
City's Position and Manager's Take
The team sits in 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. "Technically, we can to win everything."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "I've known him 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 enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle against Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
