Manchester City's manager Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Loss to Newcastle
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "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 not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. 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, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images show he was level.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.