Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' loss at Newcastle on Saturday.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. The reason why I want to defend my team is no doubt – based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Technically, we can to win everything."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December 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 every time after the game, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I love it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach addressed his squad immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Next Big Match
He will manage his century in Europe versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete we have been there," he said.
The club has ten points after four games of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
