Manchester City's manager Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies this past weekend.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. The reason why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December during our historic run? No."
Interaction with GuimarĂŁes
On the subject of his talk with GuimarĂŁes, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and post-match, home or away, we converse. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager addressed his squad immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that the officials did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.
Next Big Match
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, while Leverkusen have five.
