Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after a confrontation with a TV crew member subsequent to the Citizens' loss at Newcastle this past weekend.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with match official 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 apologised after one second to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, 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 no doubt – based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Technically, we can 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 last winter when we won the quadruple? No."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "I've known him for many years and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I'm passionate, I like discussing 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 as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle against Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside 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 versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
