Manchester City's manager Expresses Remorse Over Broadcast Crew Altercation Following Loss to Magpies
The City boss confessed experiencing "embarrassment" following an exchange with a TV crew member in the wake of the Citizens' 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," the manager remarked. "I feel embarrassed, ashamed, looking back. I don’t like it. I immediately apologized to the cameraman. That's just me. With a thousand matches under my belt I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes."
"One thing is certain, I stand by my team and club, that’s for sure. Why I want to defend my team is clear – based on my career to clinch the title we need near-perfect totals, 98 points, or we fall short."
Team Standing and Guardiola's Assessment
The team sits in third and are seven behind the Gunners following their fourth loss this campaign. "Four defeats in twelve matches we have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Mathematically, it’s possible to win everything."
The manager was asked if this meant the quadruple could be achieved, Guardiola answered: "As a seasoned reporter, have you ever heard me discuss four trophies last winter during our historic run? No."
Exchange with Bruno
On the subject of his talk with the Newcastle player, the coach explained: "We have known Bruno a long time 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 like discussing and gesticulate."
He wouldn't mind should a rival coach spoke to his players right after the final whistle. "Not if it's respectful like I always have done, it’s not a problem," he said, mentioning the referee. "He was part of it throughout the match, he was involved. Goodness, he was involved."
Controversial Decisions
The team felt aggrieved that Barrott or the VAR denied a spot-kick for a Fabian Schär challenge on Phil Foden, and doubted Bruno's positioning on Barnes' goal Newcastle’s 70th-minute winner. Pictures published later indicate the Brazilian was onside.
Upcoming Milestone
Guardiola will take charge his century in Europe versus Leverkusen this week. "It’s quite good, it means that every season we have been there," he said.
City have 10 points from four matches in the group, while Leverkusen have five.