Manchester City's manager Voices Regret Over Camera Operator Altercation Following Loss to Newcastle
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following an exchange with a camera operator subsequent to the Citizens' loss at Newcastle on Saturday.
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 broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. It's not acceptable. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad is clear – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss this campaign. "Losing four games out of 12 we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
When questioned about a potential quadruple was a realistic aim, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December during our historic run? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
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. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind if an opposition manager spoke to his players immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he said, before referencing Barrott. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. My God, he was involved."
Debatable Calls
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle on Phil Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal 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 on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete we have been there," he said.
The club has ten points after four games in the group, while Leverkusen have five.