Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Loss to Magpies
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch 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 operator. 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 clear – because from my experience to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, 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 we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk about the quadruple last winter during our historic run? No."
Interaction with GuimarĂŁes
On the subject of his talk with GuimarĂŁes, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and gesticulate."
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 not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.
Next Big Match
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 from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
