Pep Guardiola Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. It's not acceptable. 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, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. Why I want to defend my team is no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, 98 points, or we fall short."
City's Position and Manager's Take
The team sits in 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 still achieve all."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? No."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "I've known him for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned 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. My God, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he commented.
City have 10 points after four games of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
