Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following an exchange with a camera operator 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 had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and 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, or we fall short."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
When questioned about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December during our historic run? No."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we converse. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. My God, very much so."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season we have been there," he said.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
