Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Magpies
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies this past weekend.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. It's not acceptable. 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, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. The reason why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
When questioned about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December during our historic run? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno for many years and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "No - as long as you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.
Next Big Match
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season we have been there," he said.
The club has ten points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
