Manchester City's manager Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Loss to Newcastle
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's loss at Newcastle this past weekend.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. The reason 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, or we fall short."
City's Position and Manager's Take
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? No."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years 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 like discussing and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. 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 annually," he said.
City have 10 points after four games in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
