Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' loss at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. Why I want to defend my team is clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, high nineties, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
City are 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."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he said.
City have 10 points after four games in the group, while Leverkusen have five.