Manchester City's manager Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, 98 points, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
City are 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. "Technically, we can to win everything."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me about the quadruple in December during our historic run? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, home or away, we converse. 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 you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete we have been there," he said.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
