Pep Guardiola Voices Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Loss to Magpies
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies on Saturday.
At full time, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St Jamesâ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno GuimarĂŁes, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. I donât like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. After 1,000 games Iâm not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, thatâs for sure. Why I support my squad is clear â because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Technically, we can to win everything."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple last winter during our historic run? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with GuimarĂŁes, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno for many years and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I love to talk and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager addressed his squad immediately after a game. "Not if you talk with respect as I do, itâs not a problem," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that the officials denied a spot-kick on a Schär tackle against Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastleâs 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
He will manage of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he commented.
City have 10 points after four games in the group, while Leverkusen have five.