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 TV crew member subsequent to the Citizens' loss at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, an emotional 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 broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. Why I support my squad is no doubt – based on my career to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December when we won the quadruple? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I like discussing and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he said, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete we have been there," he said.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.