Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle this past weekend.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. The reason why I want to defend my team is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, or we fall short."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? No."
Exchange with Bruno
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, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he said, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, very much so."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle against Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage his century in Europe versus Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, showing we compete we have been there," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.