Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad is clear – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "I've known him for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect like I always have done, it's fine," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.
The club has ten points after four games of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
