Pep Guardiola Voices Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" after an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. Why I want to defend my team is no doubt – based on my career to win the Premier League 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 following their fourth loss of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Technically, we can to win everything."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies in December during our historic run? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and post-match, home or away, we converse. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I'm passionate, I love to talk 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 like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. My God, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
