Manchester City's manager Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno GuimarĂ£es, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. The reason why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, 98 points, or we fall short."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
When questioned about a potential 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? No."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with GuimarĂ£es, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. 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 if an opposition manager spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," 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 Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted if GuimarĂ£es was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Next Big Match
He will manage 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, and Leverkusen hold five.
