Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" 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, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games 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 support my squad is clear – because from my experience to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple in December when we won the quadruple? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful like I always have done, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. Goodness, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete we have been there," he commented.
City have 10 points after four games of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.