Pep Guardiola Voices Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Defeat to Magpies
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno GuimarĂŁes, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized 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 support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," he conceded. "Technically, we can to win everything."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me about the quadruple last winter during our historic run? No."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "I've known him for many years 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 an emotional guy, I love to talk and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager addressed his squad immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful like I always have done, it's fine," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. My God, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
