Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Loss to Magpies
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of the Citizens' 2-1 defeat at Newcastle this past weekend.
When the match concluded, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and engaged in intense talks with match official Sam Barrott and Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the headphones of the camera operator.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. That's just me. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, without a doubt. Why I support my squad is clear – because from my experience to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
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 in December during our historic run? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and post-match, home or away, we converse. We often meet and we get along well. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he noted, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, constantly. My God, very much so."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that the officials did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete we have been there," he said.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, while Leverkusen have five.
