Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" after a confrontation with a camera operator 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 had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. Why I want to defend my team is no doubt – based on my career to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "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 last winter when we won the quadruple? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno for many years 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 like discussing and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if 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, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete we have been there," he said.
City have 10 points from four matches of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
