Manchester City's manager Voices Remorse Over Camera Operator Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a TV crew member subsequent to Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. The reason why I want to defend my team is clear – 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
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Technically, we can to win everything."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies in December during our historic run? No."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.
Next Big Match
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he said.
City have 10 points after four games of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.