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 subsequent to the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.
At full time, an emotional 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 apologised," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. Why I want to defend my team is no doubt – based on my career to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, 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 of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me about the quadruple in December when we won the quadruple? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk 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 we get along well. I love it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach addressed his squad immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful like I always have done, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. My God, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he said.
The club has ten points after four games of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
