Pep Guardiola Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Loss to Newcastle
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of the Citizens' loss at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. The reason why I want to defend my team is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
When questioned about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me about the quadruple in December during our historic run? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "I've known him for many years and every time after the game, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. 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 immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he said.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.