Pep Guardiola Voices Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the operator. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt 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 clear – based on my career to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, or we fall short."
City's Position and Manager's Take
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Technically, we can to win everything."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? No."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, home or away, we converse. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful like I always have done, it's fine," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he commented.
City have 10 points after four games in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
