Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after a confrontation with a TV crew member subsequent to Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies 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 headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. The reason why I want to defend my team is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, home or away, we converse. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I love it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."
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 like I always have done, it's fine," he noted, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he said.
The club has ten points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.