Pep Guardiola Expresses Remorse Over Camera Operator Incident Following Defeat to Newcastle
Pep Guardiola has admitted feeling "shame" following an exchange with a TV crew member subsequent to the Citizens' 2-1 defeat away to the Magpies 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 Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while also handling the headphones of the camera operator.
"I apologised," the manager remarked. "I'm humiliated, regretful, looking back. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. I am who I am. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, without a doubt. The reason why I support my squad is no doubt – because from my experience to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, 98 points, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Manager's Take
The team sits in third and trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after what was their fourth league defeat of the season. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible still achieve all."
The manager was asked about a potential quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies in December when we won the quadruple? No."
Interaction with Guimarães
Regarding his confrontation with Guimarães, the coach explained: "I've known him a long time and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel. 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 you talk with respect as I do, it's fine," he noted, mentioning the referee. "The referee was involved throughout the match, constantly. My God, very much so."
Debatable Calls
The team felt aggrieved that the officials denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, while they also questioned if Guimarães was offside when Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. "That's impressive, it means that every season we have been there," he said.
The club has ten points from four matches in the group, and Leverkusen hold five.