Manchester City's manager Voices Remorse Over Camera Operator Incident Following Defeat to Newcastle
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies this past weekend.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch 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 said sorry," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. 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."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
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," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
When questioned about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December when we won the quadruple? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and post-match, home or away, 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 right after the final whistle. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "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, and Leverkusen hold five.
