Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" following a confrontation with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies on Saturday.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. The reason why I support my squad is no doubt – based on my career to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? No."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno for many years and every time after the game, home or away, we converse. We often meet and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "No - as long as it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle against Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete we have been there," he said.
The club has ten points after four games in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
