Pep Guardiola Voices Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Defeat to Newcastle
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a TV crew member subsequent to Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies 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 Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. Why I want to defend my team is no doubt – based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can to win everything."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk about the quadruple last winter during our historic run? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "I've known him a long time and post-match, 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 move my hands."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager addressed his squad immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect like I always have done, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he commented.
The club has ten points after four games in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
