Manchester City's manager Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Loss to Magpies
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. That's just me. 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, without a doubt. The reason why I want to defend my team is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
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," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? No."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we converse. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if 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. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, it means that every season we have been there," he said.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
