Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following an exchange with a TV crew member subsequent to Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with the referee, 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, when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. Why I want to defend my team is no doubt – based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, 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: "I've known him a long time and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.