Pep Guardiola Voices Remorse Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's loss at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, 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 headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, 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 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 are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me about the quadruple in December during our historic run? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, 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 love it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he noted, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. My God, very much so."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle against Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
