Pep Guardiola Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, 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, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. The reason why I want to defend my team is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December when we won the quadruple? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, home or away, we converse. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I love it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "No - as long as you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he said, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that the officials did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.
The club has ten points after four games of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
