Manchester City's manager Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Incident Following Defeat to Magpies
The City boss confessed feeling "shame" following an exchange with a camera operator in the wake of Manchester City's loss at Newcastle 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 Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I said sorry," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. It's not acceptable. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. Why I want to defend my team is no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League we have to do 100 points, high nineties, otherwise we don’t win it."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
City are third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," Guardiola admitted. "Technically, we can still achieve all."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "You are an experienced journalist, did you hear my talk about the quadruple in December when we won the quadruple? Never."
Interaction with Guimarães
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, Guardiola said: "I've known him for many years and every time after the game, home or away, we converse. We often meet and we get along well. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it’s not a problem," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. My God, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that the officials did not award City a penalty on a Schär tackle against Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Next Big Match
He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he said.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
