Pep Guardiola Voices Remorse Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Loss to Magpies
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, 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 clinch the title we have to do 100 points, 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 following their fourth loss of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "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 on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe 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 in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
