Manchester City's manager Voices Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a TV crew member 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 had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s 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 operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. The reason why I support my squad is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
City are 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 still achieve all."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple in December when we won the quadruple? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "I've known him for many years and every time after the game, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager addressed his squad right after the final whistle. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he noted, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete we have been there," he said.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
