Manchester City's manager Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the operator. I am who I am. 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. Why I support my squad is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, 98 points, or we fall short."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "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 passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager addressed his squad immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful like I always have done, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
