Manchester City's manager Voices Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Loss to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a camera operator subsequent to Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized 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. Why I want to defend my team is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, or we fall short."
Team Standing 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," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can to win everything."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno a long time and every time after the game, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete we have been there," he said.
The club has ten points after four games in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
