Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Loss to Magpies
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after a confrontation with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. Why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, or we fall short."
City's Position and Manager's Take
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss of the season. "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 could be achieved, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? No."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "No - as long as it's respectful like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy 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 on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images show he was level.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, it means that every season annually," he commented.
City have 10 points after four games of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.