Manchester City's manager Voices Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.
When the match concluded, an emotional 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 said sorry," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. The reason why I want to defend my team is no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
When questioned about a potential quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple last winter during our historic run? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and every time after the game, home or away, we converse. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and move my hands."
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 noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal 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 against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he said.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.