Pep Guardiola Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following a confrontation with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola entered the St Jamesā Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno GuimarĆ£es, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt Iām not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, thatās for sure. The reason why I want to defend my team is no doubt ā based on my career to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, 98 points, or we fall short."
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 this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can to win everything."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and post-match, home or away, we converse. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. Iām an emotional guy, I like discussing and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, itās not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. Goodness, very much so."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that the officials did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle against Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he said.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.