Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Defeat to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle this past weekend.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. Why I want to defend my team is clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, high nineties, 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. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December during our historic run? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, 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 gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "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 for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that the officials did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored 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, it means that every season annually," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
