Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Loss to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. Why I support my squad is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, 98 points, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can to win everything."
The manager was asked about a potential 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? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "I've known him for many years and every time after the game, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach addressed his squad immediately after a game. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
