Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Loss to Magpies
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat at Newcastle this past weekend.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. Why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing 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 in December when we won the quadruple? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. 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, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images show he was level.
Next Big Match
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
