Manchester City's manager Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Incident Following Defeat to Newcastle
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. Why I want to defend my team is clear – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, 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 this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Technically, we can to win everything."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "I've known him for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials 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. Pictures published later show he was level.
Next Big Match
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he said.
City have 10 points after four games of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
