Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Defeat to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies 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 Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. Why I want to defend my team is clear – based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."
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 this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno for many years and every time after the game, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. My God, very much so."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage his century in Europe versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season we have been there," he said.
The club has ten points after four games in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
