Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Loss to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, 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 after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
When questioned about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "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 Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, home or away, we converse. 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 spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. My God, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that the officials did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images show he was level.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
