Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Loss to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following a confrontation with a camera operator subsequent to Manchester City's loss at Newcastle on Saturday.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions 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'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. 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, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. The reason 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, high nineties, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can 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 discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him 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 enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, very much so."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that the officials did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he commented.
City have 10 points after four games of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
