Pep Guardiola Voices Remorse Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" after a confrontation with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's loss 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 Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. 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 far from perfect, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
When questioned about a potential quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies in December during our historic run? No."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "I've known him a long time 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 passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "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 for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that the officials did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle 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.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
