Pep Guardiola Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
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 this past weekend.
When the match concluded, an emotional 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 apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. Why I want to defend my team is clear – based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "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, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno 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 love it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, constantly. Goodness, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he said.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
