Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's loss at Newcastle this past weekend.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola entered the St Jamesâ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno GuimarĂŁes, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. I am who I am. After 1,000 games Iâm not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, thatâs for sure. Why I support my squad is no doubt â based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, otherwise we donât win it."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, itâs 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 about the quadruple in December when we won the quadruple? No."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, 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. Iâm an emotional guy, I like discussing and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, itâs not a problem," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that the officials did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned if GuimarĂŁes was offside when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastleâs 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.
Next Big Match
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "Itâs quite good, it means that every season annually," he said.
The club has ten points after four games in the group, while Leverkusen have five.