Pep Guardiola Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Loss to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder 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 apologised after one second to the operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. Why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 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 after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
When questioned about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December during our historic run? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, home or away, we converse. Our paths always cross 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 immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.