Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"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 far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. The reason why I support my squad is no doubt – based on my career to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Manager's Take
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk about the quadruple last winter during our historic run? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and we get along well. I love it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach addressed his squad immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful like I always have done, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored 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 annually," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
