Pep Guardiola Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Defeat to Magpies
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle this past weekend.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can to win everything."
When questioned about a potential quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? No."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we converse. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy 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 noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. My God, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle against Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete we have been there," he said.
City have 10 points from four matches of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.
