Manchester City's manager Expresses Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's loss at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and 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 have to do 100 points, high nineties, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "I've known him for many years and post-match, home or away, we converse. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach addressed his squad immediately after a game. "No - as long as you talk with respect as I do, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete we have been there," he said.
City have 10 points after four games of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
