Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "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 not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. Why I want to defend my team is clear – because from my experience to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk about the quadruple last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we converse. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind 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 said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, very much so."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle against Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season we have been there," he said.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
