Manchester City's manager Voices Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field 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 apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. Why I want to defend my team is no doubt – based on my career to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, 98 points, or we fall short."
City's Position and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," he conceded. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple 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 every time after the game, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned 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 versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he said.
The club has ten points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.