Manchester City's manager Voices Remorse Over Camera Operator Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. The reason why I want to defend my team is no doubt – based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in 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," he conceded. "Technically, we can to win everything."
When questioned about a potential quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
