Pep Guardiola Voices Regret Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Defeat to Magpies
Pep Guardiola has admitted experiencing "embarrassment" after an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of the Citizens' loss away to the Magpies this past weekend.
At full time, an emotional Guardiola stepped onto the field and had heated discussions 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, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I'm far from perfect, errors happen."
"What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. Why I support my squad is clear – based on my career to clinch the title we have to do 100 points, 98 points, otherwise we don’t win it."
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 of the season. "Losing four games out of 12 means we must do better," Guardiola admitted. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
When questioned if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, he responded: "You are an experienced journalist, have you ever heard me about the quadruple in December during our historic run? Never."
Exchange with Bruno
Regarding his confrontation with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "I've known him for many years and post-match, home or away, we converse. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship. I enjoy it. I'm passionate, I like discussing and gesticulate."
Guardiola would not be concerned should a rival coach addressed his squad immediately after a game. "Not if it's respectful as I do, it's fine," he said, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. My God, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge against Foden, and doubted if Guimarães was offside on Barnes' goal the decisive strike. Pictures published later show he was level.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge of his 100th Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen this week. "That's impressive, showing we compete annually," he commented.
The club has ten points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.
