Manchester City's manager Voices Remorse Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a TV crew member subsequent to Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. 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, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. The reason 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, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me about the quadruple in December during our historic run? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, constantly. My God, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
