Manchester City's manager Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Altercation 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 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. Why I want to defend my team is clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Manager's Take
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
When questioned about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple last winter during our historic run? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno 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 an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager addressed his squad immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he said, 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 the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he commented.
The club has ten points after four games of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
