Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange 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 engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"What is for sure, 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 clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December during our historic run? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we converse. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I enjoy 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. "No - as long as you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, very much so."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season we have been there," he said.
The club has ten points after four games in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.