Manchester City's manager Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's loss at Newcastle this past weekend.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt 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 clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, or we fall short."
City's Position and Manager's Take
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December when we won the quadruple? No."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and every time after the game, 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 should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved 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 when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge 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 in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
