Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Defeat to Magpies
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" after a confrontation with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies this past weekend.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. The reason why I support my squad is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position 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," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager addressed his squad immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he commented.
The club has ten points after four games of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
