Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Defeat to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, 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."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Technically, we can to win everything."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, home or away, we converse. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and move my hands."
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. "He was part of it throughout the match, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
He will manage his century in Europe versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he said.
City have 10 points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
