Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Loss to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, 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 I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. The reason why I want to defend my team is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can to win everything."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful like I always have done, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. My God, very much so."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that the officials did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.
City have 10 points after four games in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
