Manchester City's manager Voices Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Loss to Magpies
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after 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 entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. The reason why I support my squad is no doubt – based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? No."
Interaction with GuimarĂŁes
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and every time after the game, home or away, we converse. Our paths always cross 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 if an opposition manager addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "Not if you talk with respect like I always have done, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.