Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of the Citizens' loss at Newcastle this past weekend.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. 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 stand by my team and club, without a doubt. Why I support my squad 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 Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December during our historic run? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and every time after the game, home or away, we converse. 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 right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
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 the decisive strike. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he commented.
City have 10 points after four games of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.