Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Loss to Newcastle
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. It's not acceptable. 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. The reason why I want to defend my team is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can to win everything."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple in December during our historic run? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I love it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players immediately after a game. "No - as long as 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. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, showing we compete annually," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
