Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following an exchange with a TV crew member subsequent to the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt 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 no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, 98 points, or we fall short."
City's Position and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me about the quadruple last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if 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. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he said.
City have 10 points after four games of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
