Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
At full time, a visibly upset 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 headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. 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 far from perfect, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. The reason why I want to defend my team is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, 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 after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can to win everything."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "I've known him for many years and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect like I always have done, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it throughout the match, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that the officials did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.