Manchester City's manager Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Loss to Magpies
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' loss at Newcastle this past weekend.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. Why I want to defend my team is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple in December during our historic run? No."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, home or away, we converse. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as you talk with respect as I do, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. Goodness, 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 against Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
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.