Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Defeat to Magpies
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with match official 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 apologised after one second to the operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, 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 no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Technically, we can to win everything."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me 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: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful like I always have done, 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 the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete we have been there," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
