Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' 2-1 defeat 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 Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. The reason why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points 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 about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer 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.
