Pep Guardiola Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following a confrontation with a TV crew member subsequent to Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.
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 apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt 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 clinch the title we have to do 100 points, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Manager's Take
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that the officials did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle against Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete we have been there," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
