Manchester City's manager Expresses Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Defeat to Magpies
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions with the referee, Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," 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. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. The reason why I want to defend my team is no doubt – based on my career to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."
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 could be achieved, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk discuss four trophies last winter when we won the quadruple? No."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and post-match, home or away, we talk in the tunnel. We often meet and we get along well. 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 like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, he was involved. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images show he was level.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he said.
The club has ten points after four games of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.