Pep Guardiola Voices Remorse Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Loss to Magpies
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" after a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. The reason why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Technically, we can to win everything."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I love it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. My God, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, it means that every season we have been there," he said.
City have 10 points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
