Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Loss to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies this past weekend.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. The reason why I want to defend my team is clear – based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, 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. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful like I always have done, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal 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 on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.
City have 10 points after four games in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
