Manchester City's manager Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Newcastle
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies this past weekend.
At full time, 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 apologised after one second to the operator. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"One thing is certain, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. Why I want to defend my team is no doubt – based on my career to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, 98 points, or we fall short."
City's Position and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches means we must do better," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
When questioned about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time and every time after the game, home or away, we converse. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I love it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned if an opposition manager spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful like I always have done, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, he was involved. Goodness, very much so."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Subsequent images indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game versus Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, showing we compete we have been there," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches of the league phase, and Leverkusen hold five.