Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Loss to Magpies
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following an exchange with a TV crew member subsequent to 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 engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. The reason why I want to defend my team is no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach addressed his squad immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
