Manchester City's manager Voices Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Incident Following Defeat to Newcastle
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of Manchester City's loss at Newcastle on Saturday.
When the match concluded, a visibly upset Guardiola entered the St James’ Park pitch and had heated discussions with match official Sam Barrott and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, and also touched the broadcast crew's equipment.
"I apologised," Guardiola stated. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, when I see it. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the operator. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. The reason why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to win the Premier League we need near-perfect totals, high nineties, or we fall short."
City's Position and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points 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, 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, Guardiola said: "We have known Bruno 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 an emotional guy, I like discussing and move my hands."
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 said, before referencing Barrott. "The referee was involved for 95 minutes, 98 minutes, constantly. My God, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
City were unhappy that Barrott or the VAR did not award City a penalty for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, while they also questioned Bruno's positioning when Harvey Barnes scored the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Next Big Match
He will manage his century in Europe against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, it means that every season annually," he commented.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.
