Pep Guardiola Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a TV crew member subsequent to the Citizens' 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. The reason why I want to defend my team is clear – based on my career 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
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss this campaign. "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 could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk about the quadruple last winter during our historic run? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "I've known him for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he said.
City have 10 points from four matches of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
