Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after a confrontation with a TV crew member subsequent to Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"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 have to do 100 points, high nineties, or we fall short."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and every time after the game, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect like I always have done, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted 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 against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete we have been there," he said.
The club has ten points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.