Manchester City's manager Voices Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following an exchange with a TV crew member subsequent to the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.
When the match concluded, an emotional 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 broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. Why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to clinch the title 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 after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
When questioned about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple in December when we won the quadruple? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. 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."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "No - as long as you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
