Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Camera Operator Incident Following Loss to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and engaged in intense talks with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. The reason why I want to defend my team is clear – based on my career to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, high nineties, or we fall short."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points following their fourth loss of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple last winter during our historic run? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and post-match, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager addressed his squad immediately after a game. "No - as long as you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. Goodness, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
He will manage his century in Europe versus Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, it means that every season we have been there," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
