Pep Guardiola Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after 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, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. Why I want to defend my team is no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno for many years and every time after the game, home or away, 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 if an opposition manager addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. My God, very much so."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later 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 commented.
The club has ten points after four games of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
