Pep Guardiola Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Newcastle
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following an exchange with a TV crew member subsequent to the Citizens' 2-1 defeat at Newcastle this past weekend.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, 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."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. 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, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
City are 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. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I love it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he said, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it throughout the match, constantly. 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, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
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 commented.
The club has ten points after four games of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.